Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO MICROBES AND THE DISEASES THEY CAUSE Microbes and the Science of Microbiology Understanding Infectious Diseases Combating Pathogens and Infectious Diseases INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY Organization and Responsibilities of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Clinical Specimens Used for the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases General Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Methods Antimicrobial Agents and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing BACTERIAL INFECTIONS Introduction to Clinical Bacteriology Gram-Positive Cocci Gram-Positive and Acid-Fast Bacilli Gram-Negative Cocci and Related Bacteria Gram-Negative Bacilli: The Family Enterobacteriaceae Gram-Negative Bacilli: Nonfermenters Fastidious and Miscellaneous Gram-Negative Bacilli Curved and Spiral-Shaped Bacilli Obligate Intracellular Bacteria Anaerobic Bacteria Laboratory Diagnosis of Selected Bacterial Infections FUNGAL INFECTIONS Introduction to Clinical Mycology Laboratory Diagnosis of Selected Fungal Infections PARASITIC INFECTIONS Introduction to Clinical Parasitology Laboratory Diagnosis of Selected Protozoal Infections Laboratory Diagnosis of Selected Helminth Infections VIRAL INFECTIONS Introduction to Clinical Virology Laboratory Diagnosis of Selected Viral Infections ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY Health Care Epiddemiology and Bioterrorism Appenix A Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Procedures Appendix B Useful Conversions Appendix C Answers to Self-Assessment Exercises Glossary Index