Medical microbiology concerns the nature distribution & activities of microbes & how they impact on health & wellbeing most particularly as agents of infection. Infections remain a major global cause of mortality & in most hospitals around one in ten of those admitted will suffer from an infection acquired during their stay. The evolution of microbes presents a massive challenge to modern medicine & public health. The constant changes in viruses such as influenza HIV tuberculosis malaria & SARS demand vigilance & insight into the underlying process. Building on the huge success of previous editions Medical Microbiology 18/e" will inform & inspire a new generation of readers. Now fully revised & updated initial sections cover the basic biology of microbes infection & immunity & are followed by a systematic review of infective agents their associated diseases & their control. A final integrating section addresses the essential principles of diagnosis treatment & management. An unrivalled collection of international contributors continues to ensure the relevance of the book worldwide & complementary access to the complete online version on Student Consult further enhances the learning experience. " Medical Microbiology" is explicitly geared to clinical practice & is an ideal textbook for medical & biomedical students & specialist trainees. It will also prove invaluable to medical laboratory scientists & all other busy professionals who require a clear current & most trusted guide to this fascinating field."