Clinical Bacteriology

J. Keith Struthers, BSc (Hons), MSc, Dphil, MBChB, FRCPath
Consultant Medical Microbiologist, Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, Coventry, UK

Roger P. Westran, BSc FIBMS
Senior Biomedical Scientist, Southend Hospital, Essex, UK

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.

Contents

Preface

1. The Structure and Function of Bacteria
2. How Bacteria Cause Disease
3. Characterization of Bacteria from Clinical Specimens
4. The Use of Antibiotics
5. Infections of the Blood: Bacteraemia and Endocarditis
6. Bacterial Infections of the Alimentary Canal
7. Infections of the Respiratory Tract
8. Tuberculosis
9. Infections of the Central Nervous System
10. Infections of the Eye
11. Infections of the Urinary Tract
12. Infections of the Genital Systems
13. Infections of the Skin, Soft Tissues, Joints and Bones
14. Infections in a Modern Society
15. The Control of Infection in the Hospital and the Community

Index