The first section covers how micro-organisms spread and cause disease in humans, and how the human body responds to infection in general. The next three sections give a broad outline of the important properties of human infectious pathogens; split into viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic organisms. The final sections cover laboratory diagnosis, antimicrobial chemotherapy, prevention strategies, and infection from the point of view of the patient.
William Irving, Department of Microbiology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham
Tim Boswell, Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust
Dlawer Ala'Aldeen, Department of Microbiology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham