Includes bibliographical references and index.

Microbiology : the science
Viewing the microbial world
Cell structure and taxonomy
Microbial diversity
Microbial diversity
Biochemistry : the chemistry of life
Microbial physiology and genetics
Controlling microbial growth in vitro
Controlling microbial growth in vivo using antimicrobial agents
Microbial ecology and microbial biotechnology
Epidemiology and public health
Healthcare epidemiology
Diagnosing infectious diseases
Pathogenesis of infectious diseases
Nonspecific host defense mechanisms
Specific host defense mechanisms : an introduction to immunology
Overview of infectious diseases
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Parasitic infections

"This textbook is designed specifically for students and professionals in the health sciences. As you advance through the text, you'll not only gain a solid foundation in microbiology, you'll also learn to apply you new knowledge to provide patients with safe, effective care." "This Ninth Edition has been thoroughly updated to help you discover how microbes cause disease and how the body protects itself from pathogens and infectious diseases. The text's easy-to-follow explanations will help you to understand common as well as new and emerging microbial threats. Moreover, you'll get the lastest information on such key topics as antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, epidemiology and public health, healthcare-associated infections, infection control and laboratory tests used to assist in the diagnosis of infectious diseases."--Jacket