Main description:

Medical Microbiology is aimed specifically at the following people working and studying in the field of biomedical sciences:

undergraduate students looking for a concise textbook covering the basic principles
all those undergoing laboratory training
qualified staff looking to keep up-to-date

Uniquely, the book is structured to follow the flow of specimens through a typical clinical microbiology laboratory, and so provides a practical guide to a working medical microbiology unit.

The book begins by covering:

classification and nomenclature of microorganisms and viruses associated with human disease, including an indication of which are common and which are not
pathology of disease and host defences
basic microscopy, general aseptic and culture techniques, and identification methods including all the latest molecular techniques.

It goes on to describe:

the organization of a typical microbiology lab
the practical isolation of pathogens from the complete range of human specimens, including urine, faeces, blood cultures, wound swabs, ENT samples, etc. - all chapters feature a standard presentation covering specimen collection and transport, principal pathogens, laboratory analysis/diagnosis, and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

The book concludes by considering:

mycology
food and water microbiology

Medical Microbiology concentrates on practical diagnostics using the latest laboratory methods, with health and safety guidance linked to COSHH and standard operating procedures. The book should therefore be read by all those working, or training to work in a medical microbiology lab.

Contents:

1. Introduction to medical microbiology

2. Structure and physiology of microorganisms associated with human disease

3. Virology

4. Host-pathogen interactions in health and disease

5. The use of microscopy and staining in microbiology

6. General techniques for identifying bacteria from clinical specimens

7. Organization of the microbiology laboratory

8. The laboratory investigation of urinary tract infections

9. The laboratory investigation of gastrointestinal infection from faecal samples

10. The diagnosis of infection from wounds, genital and ENT specimens

11. Lower respiratory tract infections

12. The laboratory identification of infection from blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid

13. Mycology

14. Food and water microbiology