Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Microbiology then and now -- The chemical building blocks of life -- Concepts and tools for studying microorganisms -- Cell structure and function in the bacteria and archaea -- Microbial growth and nutrition -- Metabolism of microorganisms -- Control of microorganisms : physical and chemical methods -- Microbial genetics -- Gene transfer, genetic engineering, and genomics -- Airborne bacterial diseases -- Foodborne and waterborne bacterial diseases -- Soilborne and arthropodborne bacterial diseases -- Sexually transmitted and contact transmitted bacterial diseases -- The viruses and virus-like agents -- Viral infections of the respiratory tract and skin -- Viral infections of the blood, lymphatic, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems -- Eukaryotic microorganisms : the fungi -- Eukaryotic microorganisms : the parasites -- Infection and disease -- Resistance and the immune system : innate immunity -- Resistance and the immune system : acquired immunity -- Immunity and serology -- Immune disorders and AIDS -- Antimicrobial drugs.