The subject is one of major interest in basic microbiology and infectious diseases and the book is a known classic.

The subject is one of major interest in basic microbiology and infectious diseases and the book is a known classic.

The widespread presence and activity of micro-organisms makes it impossible to study life sciences without some understanding of microorganisms. Human Microbiology provides a concise review of the biology of the three important groups of micro-organisms that infect humans: bacteria, viruses and fungi. Divided into two parts, it summarises the key features that characterise the physiology of microorganisms e.g. structure and function, growth and division, microbial death and the principles of taxonomy, and examines the common themes that are found in micro-organisms that cause disease in man, the transmission, epidemiology and pathogenicity of microbial diseases. With the overwhelming volume of information published on individual species of bacteria, viruses and fungi, Human Microbiology emphasises the important concepts and themes that occur in the organisms that are pathogenic to humans. The conventional approach to studying medical microbiology tends to result in exhaustive lists of microbes arranged by genus and their associated diseases. To promote understanding of the principles of medical microbiology and avoid memory lessons, the important concepts are discussed with reference to key examples.

The rapid advances made in the study of the synthesis, structure and function of biological macromole cules in the last fifteen years have enabled scientists concerned with antimicrobial agents to achieve a considerable measure of understanding of how these substances inhibit cell growth and division. The use of antimicrobial agents as highly specific inhibitors has in turn substantially assisted the investigation of complex biochemical processes. The literature in this field is so extensive, however, that we considered an attempt should be made to draw together in an introductory book the more significant studies of recent years. This book, which is in fact based on lecture courses given by us to undergraduates at Liverpool and Manchester Universities, is therefore intended as an introduction to the biochemistry of antimicrobial action for advanced students in many disciplines. We hope that it may also be useful to established scientists who are new to this area of research. The book is concerned with a discussion of medically important antimicrobial compounds and also a number of agents that, although having no medical uses, have proved invaluable as research tools in bio chemistry. Our aim has been to present the available information in a simple and readable way, empha sizing the established facts rather than more controversial material. Whenever possible, however, we have indicated the gaps in the present knowledge of the subject where further information is required.

Quinolones constitute a large class of synthetic antimicrobial agents that are highly effective in the treatment of many types of infectious diseases, particularly those caused by bacteria. New quinolones are continually being developed as bacterial species develop resistance to existing quinolones. This book presents the most current information available in our continual struggle to conquer disease. Over time, bacteria become resistant to medicines that are used to combat them. Because of this, the medical world is always in search of new and improved ways to battle these disease-causing bacteria. Quinolones are at the forefront of this research. Edited by one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject, the third edition of this highly successful title will serve as a valuable tool for primary care physicians and researchers interested in a comprehensive, up-to-date reference on the chemistry, mechanisms of action, development of resistance, and clinical efficacy of both currently available and newer quinolone compounds under investigation. This is the eagerly anticipated fully revised edition of the standard reference in the field. - Eagerly anticipated updated edition of noted title covering synthetic microbial agents that are useful against infectious disease, particularly those caused by bacteria - Edited by one of the foremost experts in the field of quinolone research and infectious disease - History of quinolones, chemistry & mechanisms of action, pharmacology, safety aspects - Role of quinolones in treating various types of infections, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, STDs and bacterial meningitis as well as their use in immunocompromised patients

Uniquely integrates the theory and practice of key experimental techniques for bioscience undergraduates. Now includes drug discovery and clinical biochemistry.