Medical Microbiology: A Guide to Microbial Infections: Pathogenesis, Immunity, Laboratory Investigation and Control 19th Edition 2019

In revising this classic introductory text, now evolved over 90 years, the imprint of the past keeps our focus on the nature and significance of microbes that concern us in medicine but looks to the future in contemplating the constantly changing threat of infection.

Though consistently raised in previous editions, the spectre ofantimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been given public prominence, notably by the O’Neill review1 and the responses of the UK Chief Medical Officer. That, without concerted action, we face a projected global annual death toll of 10 million attributable to drug-resistant infections by 2050 stands out as the stark headline. This timeline could encourage procrastination in our actions, but the current mortality and morbidity statistics show AMR as a pressing but remediable problem requiring insight into all areas of microbial life.

In the face of AMR and other emergent threats such as Ebola and Zika virus, human ingenuity has brought new tools such as whole genome sequencing within the grasp of well-resourced laboratories and public health systems. This information is transforming our insights into chains oftransmission and AMR profiling.

In preparing this edition we have brought both the emerging problems and the potential technological solutions into focus at a level suitable for both students and specialist trainees concerned with infection. Sections dealing with molecular methods and developments in antimicrobial stewardship illustrate how we have combined the foundations ofour subject with the leading edges oftechnology and clinical practice.

As with the 18th edition we cannot improve on the historical perspective set out in an earlier preface, which is reproduced below. This reference to aspects ofthe past needing no improvement brings us to note with great sadness the death of David Greenwood in 20152• David, a scientific pioneer in antimicrobial chemotherapy, led the production of four editions of this book with clarity and charm. He is sorely missed, but we are sure he would welcome two new editors, Nelun Perera and Andrew Swann, to the team

Medical microbiology concerns the nature, distribution and activities of microbes and their impact on health and wellbeing. In spite of the introduction of many antimicrobial agents and immunisations, we continue to face major challenges in combatting infection, not least the gathering crisis in antimicrobial resistance.

Now in a fully revised and updated 19th edition, Medical Microbiology provides comprehensive coverage of infection from the microbial perspective, combining a clear introduction to key principles with a focus explicitly geared to modern clinical practice. It provides ideal coverage for medical and biomedical students – with ‘Key Points’ boxes throughout to highlight the essentials – and sufficient detail to also inform specialists in training.

Building on the success of previous editions, updates in Medical Microbiology 19e include:

New and expanded coverage of hot topics and emerging areas important to clinical practice, including:

• Genomics
• The Human Microbiome
• Direct acting antiviral agents for the treatment of HCV infection
• Molecular methods in diagnostic microbiology
• Antibiotic Stewardship
• A new and improved downloadable eBook (from studentconsult) – for anytime access to the complete contents plus BONUS interactive learning materials:
• Clinical cases – to introduce how patients with infections present and help relate key principles to practice
• MCQs for each chapter – to check understanding and aid exam preparation