This completely rewritten, revised, and updated new edition provides an indispensable introduction to medical microbiology for students, trainee doctors and laboratory workers. Its contents cover advances in molecular microbiology especially for diagnostic techniques and include such topical subjects as MRSA, C. difficile, avian influenza and vCJD. The text is illustrated throughout with 130 illustrations most in full colour. - Emphasises advances in molecular microbiology as applied to diagnostic techniques. - Includes such topics as MRSA, C. difficile, avian influeza and vCJD.

Fully updated, with new case examples of emergent diseases including those caused by coronaviruses and ebola Diseases listed alphabetically under the causative agent, with a separate tabular presentation of the pathogens as bacteria, viral, protozoal/worm/fungal as a guide to the relative involvement of each body system affected Each case answers five core questions and concludes with a bullet-point summary of these same key questions discussing causation, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and complications and disease prevention strategies Multiple-choice questions with each case for self-testing plus full referencing, suggestions for further reading, a list of relevant websites, and additional resources online A comprehensive glossary allows rapid access to the microbiology and medical terms highlighted in bold in the text.