Synopsis
Completely updated and in full color, this 3rd edition covers all the essentials of diagnostic microbiology. A logical building-block approach supplies what students need to know in an easy-to-use, memorable format. Material is presented in a progressive manner, from basic principles and concepts to systematic identification of etiologic agents of infectious diseases, promoting greater understanding and the development of problem-solving skills. Part I of the text explains basic principles and concepts, setting up a firm foundation in microbiology. Building on these basics, Part II highlights methods for the identification of significant isolates. Part III uses an organ system approach to discuss the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases — with a focus on the most medically significant and commonly encountered diseases.
• More than 800 full-color illustrations.
• Hands-on procedures describe laboratory techniques.
• A case study begins each chapter with a related, real-life situation.
• All chapters make learning easier with features such as outlines, objectives, key terms, chapter summaries, points to remember, and learning assessment questions.
• Five new chapters:
• The Laboratory Role in Infection Control
• Biochemical Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria
• Immunodiagnosis of Infectious Diseases
• Agents of Bioterror
• Biofilms: Architects of Disease
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing chapter has been expanded to include emerging microbial resistance and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and applications.
• Issues to Consider encourages critical thinking and analysis of featured case studies.
• Glossary of terms serves as a quick reference.
• New co-editor, Don Lehman, brings years of educational experience.
Roberta B. Carey
This is a new textbook addressing the basics in the practice of clinical microbiology and the identification of microorganisms causing infectious diseases. This text was designed for the entry level laboratory scientist to provide a firm theoretical foundation in microbiology and the skills required in the clinical laboratory. These objectives are worthwhile because the educational background of students varies widely. The target audience is the medical technologist learning practical skills to work in a diagnostic laboratory. It is also appropriate for pathology residents and infectious disease fellows who are doing a rotation in clinical microbiology. There are a few minor errors in the material resulting from generalizations and the lack of space to discuss certain concepts in detail. Most contributors are well known in their fields of expertise and cover the material very thoroughly. The book is written in a user-friendly manner with colorful topic headers and chart titles. Topics are divided into short sections for quick reference and easy reading. There are no long paragraphs of text to wade thorough to find the area of interest. The most outstanding feature of the book is the extensive illustrations and high quality photographs to demonstrate the appearance of an organism, a test result, or an instrument under discussion. Because the text is more than 1,000 pages, the well-arranged table of contents is a critical feature. The majority of the references are review articles written in the last 10 years. This textbook would be a welcome addition to any clinical microbiology lab for the continued training of new personnel and the reeducation of current staff. It covers multiple facetsof the microbiology lab from biosafety practices and quality improvement to new technologies such as PCR. The approach is practical with sample charts and tables ready to use in one's own laboratory.