In this concise, beautifully illustrated book, the authors introduce the reader to the basic science of medical bacteriology and relate this to clinical practice. By integrating the text with over 270 full-colour diagrams and selected photomicrographs, the book explains the essentials of bacterial infection, and it also provides the basis for logical diagnostic and management strategies, including the use of antibiotics. Following introductory chapters on the nature, structure and function of bacteria, diagnostic methods and antibiotic use, the principles are then applied to each organ system. Here relevant aspects of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and public health are covered. There are chapters on infection is a modern society, including the immuncompromised patient, and infection control in the hospital and community. In the context of new problem-based curricula, this book will be welcomed especially by medical students, trainee physicians and microbiologists, laboratory biomedical scientists and nurses working in infection control.