Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax in all mammals, including humans. Depending upon the route of entry of B. anthracis spores, infection can result in cutaneous lesions, which are readily treatable with antibiotics, or systemic lethal disease, which is nearly always fatal. The continuing worldwide incidence of anthrax in animal populations, the risk of human infection associated with animal outbreaks, and the threat of use of B. anthracis as a biological weapon warrant continued investigation of this organisms and its virulence mechanims. Furthermore, B. anthracis is an excellent model system for inverstigation of virulence gene expression by bacteria.

For the first time, each volume stands alone as an example of the best writing in the fields of bacteriology, immunology, mycology, parasitology and virology. Together they work as a set - answering every conceivable query in this vast and growing field

Since the publication of the last edition of Principles and Practice of Clinical Bacteriology, our understanding of bacterial genetics and pathogenicity has been transformed due to the availability of whole genome sequences and new technologies such as proteomics and transcriptomics. The present, completely revised second edition of this greatly valued work has been developed to integrate this new knowledge in a clinically relevant manner. Principles and Practice of Clinical Bacteriology, Second Edition, provides the reader with invaluable information on the parasitology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and treatment strategies for each pathogen while offering a succinct outline of the best current methods for diagnosis of human bacterial diseases. With contributions from an international team of experts in the field, this book is an invaluable reference work for all clinical microbiologists, infectious disease physicians, public health physicians and trainees within these disciplines.

Containing the latest information on epidemilogy, classification and new and emerging infections, 'Topley and Wilson's Microbiology and Microbial Infections' identifies key issues and trends in the field.