The most dynamic, comprehensive, and student-friendly text on the nature of microorganisms and the fascinating processes they employ in producing infections disease For more than a quarter-of-a-century, no other text has explained the link between microbiology and human disease states better than "Sherris Medical Microbiology." Through a vibrant, engaging approach, this classic gives you a solid grasp of the significance of etiologic agents, the pathogenic processes, epidemiology, and the basis of therapy for infectious diseases. Part I of "Sherris Medical Microbiology" opens with a non-technical chapter that explains the nature of infection and the infection agents. The following four chapters provide more detail about the immune response to infection and the prevention, epidemiology, and diagnosis of infectious disease. Parts II through V form the core of the text with chapters on the major viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Each of these sections opens with chapters on basic biology, pathogenesis, and antimicrobial agents. Features and Learning Aids: 57 chapters that simply and clearly describe the strains of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can bring about infectious diseases Explanations of host-parasite relationship, dynamics of infection, and host response A clinical cases with USMLE-style questions concludes each chapter on the major viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases All tables, photographs, and illustrations are in full color Clinical Capsules cover the essence of the disease(s) caused by major pathogens Margin Notes highlight key points within a paragraph to facilitate review In addition to the chapter-ending case questions, a collection of 100 practice questions is also included Sometime in the future, an improved understanding of current worldwide infectious disease scourges will lead to their control. Hopefully, you will find the basis for that understanding presented in the pages of this book.