Clinical Bacteriology

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.

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.

The 2nd edition of this publication updates the various guidelines produced by the World Health Organization on the sampling of specimens for laboratory investigation, identification of bacteria and the testing of antibiotic resistance, focusing on quality control and assessment procedures to be followed rather than on basic techniques of microscopy and staining. The publication is split into two parts: part one deals with bacteriological investigations regarding blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, stools, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, purulent exudates, wounds and absesses, anaerobic bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serological tests; and part two considers key pathogens, media and diagnostic reagents.

The enormous advances in molecular biology that have been witnessed in . Not recent years have had major impacts on many areas of the biological sciences least of these has been in the field of clinical bacteriology and infectious disease . Molecular Bacteriology: Protocols and ClinicalApplications aims to provide the reader with an insight into the role that molecular methodology has to play in modern medical bacteriology. The introductory chapter ofMolecular Bacteriology: ProtocolsandCli- cal Applications offers a personal overview by a Consultant Medical Microbio- gist of the impact and future potential offered by molecular methods. The next six chapters comprise detailed protocols for a range of such methods . We believe that the use of these protocols should allow the reader to establish the various methods described in his or her own laboratory. In selecting the methods to be included in this section, we have concentrated on those that, arguably, have greatest current relevance to reference clinical bacteriology laboratories; we have deliberately chosen not to give detailed protocols for certain methods, such as multilocus enzyme electrophoresis that, in our opinion, remain the preserve of specialist la- ratories and that are not currently suited for general use. We feel that the methods included in this section will find increasing use in diagnostic laboratories and that it is important that the concepts, advantages, and limitations of each are th- oughly understood by a wide range of workers in the field .

Gazing into crystal balls is beyond the expertise of most scientists. Yet, as we look further into the 21st century, one does not have to be Nostradamus to predict that the current genomics and proteomics "revolution" will have an immense impact on medical bacteriology. This impact is already being re- ized in many academic departments, and although encroachment on routine diagnostic bacteriology, particularly in the hospital setting, is likely to occur at a slower pace, it remains nonetheless inevitable. Therefore, it is important that no one working in bacteriology should find themselves distanced from these fundamental developments. The involvement of all clinical bacteriologists is essential if the significant achievements of genome sequencing and analysis are to be turned into tangible advances, with resulting benefits for patient care and m- agement. It is our hope that Genomics, Proteomics, and Clinical Bacteriology: Methods and Reviews will play a part in bringing such a development to fruition. The advances in genomics and proteomics have already given us frequent opportunities to reassess our knowledge and understanding of established b- terial adversaries, and have provided us with the means to identify new foes. The new knowledge gained is enabling us to reconsider, for example, our c- cepts of bacterial pathogenicity, phylogeny and novel targets for antibacterial chemotherapy. These topics, and others, are considered in Genomics, Proteomics, and Clinical Bacteriology: Methods and Reviews.

This unique visual reference presents more than 750 brilliant, four-color images of bacterial isolates commonly encountered in diagnostic microbiology and the methods used to identify them, including microscopic and phenotypic characteristics, colony morphology, and biochemical properties. Chapters cover the most important bacterial pathogens and related organisms, including updated taxonomy, epidemiology, pathogenicity, laboratory and antibiotic susceptibility testing, and molecular biology methodology Tables summarize and compare key biochemical reactions and other significant characteristics New to this edition is a separate chapter covering the latest developments in total laboratory automation The comprehensive chapter on stains, media, and reagents is now augmented with histopathology images A new Fast Facts chapter presents tables that summarize and illustrate the most significant details for some of the more commonly encountered organisms For the first time, this easy-to-use atlas is available digitally for enhanced searching. Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology remains the most valuable illustrative supplement for lectures and laboratory presentations, as well as for laboratorians, clinicians, students, and anyone interested in diagnostic medical bacteriology.

In response to the ever-changing needs and responsibilities of the clinical microbiology field, Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition has been extensively reviewed and updated to present the most prominent procedures in use today. The Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook provides step-by-step protocols and descriptions that allow clinical microbiologists and laboratory staff personnel to confidently and accurately perform all analyses, including appropriate quality control recommendations, from the receipt of the specimen through processing, testing, interpretation, presentation of the final report, and subsequent consultation. If you are looking for online access to the latest from this reference or site access for your lab, please visit www.wiley.com/learn/clinmicronow.