Includes bibliographical references and index.

The science of microbiology -- Cell structure -- Classification of bacteria -- The growth, survival, and death of microogranisms -- Cultivation of microorganisms -- Microbial metabolism -- Microbial genetics -- Immunology -- Pathogenesis of bacterial infection -- Normal human microbiota -- Spore-forming gram-positive bacilli: bacillus and clostridium species -- Aerobic non-spore-forming gram-positive bacilli: corynebacterium, listeria, erysipelothrix, actinomycetes, and related pathogens -- The staphylococci -- The streptococci, enterococci, and related genera -- Enteric gram-negative rods (enterobacteriaceae) -- Pseudomonads, acinetobacters, and uncommon gram-negative bacteria -- Vibrios, campylobacters, helicobacter, and associated bacteria -- Haemophilus, bordetella, brucella, and francisella -- Yersinia and pasteurella -- The neisseriae -- Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria -- Legionellae, bartonella, and unusual bacterial pathogens -- Mycobacteria -- Spirochetes and other spiral microorganisms -- Mycoplasmas and cell wall-defective bacteria -- Rickettsia and related genera -- Chlamydia spp. -- Antimicrobial chemotherapy -- General properties of viruses -- Pathogenesis and control of viral diseases -- Parvoviruses -- Adenoviruses -- Herpesviruses -- Poxviruses -- Hepatitis viruses -- Picornaviruses (enterovirus and rhinovirus groups) -- Reoviruses, rotaviruses, and caliciviruses -- Arthropod-borne and rodent-borne viral diseases -- Orthomyxoviruses (influenza viruses) -- Paramyxoviruses and rubella virus -- Coronaviruses -- Rabies, slow virus infections, and prion diseases -- Human cancer viruses -- AIDS and lentiviruses -- Medical mycology -- Medical parasitology -- Principles of diagnostic medical microbiology -- Cases and clinical correlations.

A comprehensive and authoritative text that discusses the roles microorganisms play in human health and illness, with important correlations in molecular mechanisms, chemotherapy, and prevention.