Written in a straightforward and engaging style, this premier textbook provides students with the foundation in microbiology that they need to perform their day-to-day duties in a safe and knowledgeable manner. Coverage includes the core themes and concepts outlined for an introductory course by the American Society for Microbiology.

Developed for current and future healthcare professionals, this textbook offers vital coverage of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, epidemiology and public health, hospital-acquired infections, infection control, and the ways in which microorganisms cause disease. Engelkirk and Burton covers a variety of topics from the discovery of microorganisms to viruses, bacteria, protazoa, prions and the chemistry in cellular metabolism. This comprehensive new edition explores the major viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic human diseases, including patient care, and how the body protects itself from pathogens and infectious diseases.

Table of Contents

Section I Introduction to Microbiology

Chapter 1: Microbiology- The Science

Chapter 2: Viewing the Microbial World

Section II Introduction to Microbes and Cellular Biology Chapter 3: Cell Structure and Taxonomy

Chapter 4: Microbial Diversity, Part 1: Acellular and Procaryotic Microbes

Chapter 5: Microbial Diversity, Part 2: Eucaryotic Microbes

Section III Chemical and Genetic Aspects of Microorganisms

Chapter 6: Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life

Chapter 7: Microbial Physiology and Genetics

Section IV Controlling the Growth of Microbes Chapter 8: Controlling Microbial Growth In Vitro

Chapter 9: Controlling Microbial Growth In Vivo Using Antimicrobial Agents

Section V Environmental and Applied Microbiology

Chapter 10: Microbial Ecology and Microbial Biotechnology

Chapter 11: Epidemiology and Public Health

Section VI Microbiology Within Healthcare Facilities

Chapter 12: Healthcare Epidemiology

Chapter 13: Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

Section VII Pathogenesis and Host Defense Mechanisms

Chapter 14: Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases

Chapter 15: Nonspecific Host Defense Mechanisms

Chapter 16: Specific Host Defense Mechanisms: An Introduction to Immunology

Section VIII Major Infectious Diseases of Humans

Chapter 17: Overview of Infectious Diseases

Chapter 18: Viral Infections

Chapter 19: Bacterial Infections

Chapter 20: Fungal Infections

Chapter 21: Parasitic Infections Appendix

A: Answers to Self-Assessment Exercises Appendix

B: Compendium of Important Bacterial Pathogens of Humans Appendix

C: Useful Conversions Appendix

D: Greek Alphabet Glossary Index