Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology » (4th Edition)

Mahon, Connie R., MS, MT (ASCP), CLS (Univ of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio); Manuselis, George, MA, MT (ASCP) (Univ of Akron)

Providing a solid introduction to the essentials of diagnostic microbiology, this accessible, full-color text helps you develop the problem-solving skills necessary for success in the clinical setting. A reader-friendly, "building block" approach to microbiology moves progressively from basic concepts to advanced understanding, guiding you through the systematic identification of etiologic agents of infectious diseases.

• Building block approach encourages recall of previously learned information, enhancing your critical and problem solving skills.
• Case in Point feature introduces case studies at the beginning of each chapter.
• Issues to Consider encourages you to analyze and comprehend the case in point.
• Key Terms provide a list of the most important and relevant terms in each chapter.
• Objectives give a measurable outcome to achieve by completing the material.
• Points to Remember summarize and help clearly identify key concepts covered in each chapter.
• Learning assessment questions evaluate how well you have mastered the material.

• New content addresses bone and joint infections, genital tract infections, and nosocomial infections.
• Significantly updated chapter includes current information on molecular biology and highlights content on multidrug resistant bacteria.
• Reorganized chapters accent the most relevant information about viruses and parasites that are also transmissible to humans.
• Case studies on the Evolve site let you apply the information that you learn to realistic scenarios encountered in the laboratory.

Roberta B. Carey

This is a new textbook addressing the basics in the practice of clinical microbiology and the identification of microorganisms causing infectious diseases. This text was designed for the entry level laboratory scientist to provide a firm theoretical foundation in microbiology and the skills required in the clinical laboratory. These objectives are worthwhile because the educational background of students varies widely. The target audience is the medical technologist learning practical skills to work in a diagnostic laboratory. It is also appropriate for pathology residents and infectious disease fellows who are doing a rotation in clinical microbiology. There are a few minor errors in the material resulting from generalizations and the lack of space to discuss certain concepts in detail. Most contributors are well known in their fields of expertise and cover the material very thoroughly. The book is written in a user-friendly manner with colorful topic headers and chart titles. Topics are divided into short sections for quick reference and easy reading. There are no long paragraphs of text to wade thorough to find the area of interest. The most outstanding feature of the book is the extensive illustrations and high quality photographs to demonstrate the appearance of an organism, a test result, or an instrument under discussion. Because the text is more than 1,000 pages, the well-arranged table of contents is a critical feature. The majority of the references are review articles written in the last 10 years. This textbook would be a welcome addition to any clinical microbiology lab for the continued training of new personnel and the reeducation of current staff. It covers multiple facetsof the microbiology lab from biosafety practices and quality improvement to new technologies such as PCR. The approach is practical with sample charts and tables ready to use in one's own laboratory.