Critique de Doody's Book

This work, written by some of the experts in the field, is the ninth edition of a classic text that serves as an introduction to diagnostic microbiology and its relationship to clinical infectious diseases. The purpose is to present a comprehensive view of medical microbiology from the standpoint of the organization and function of a clinical microbiology lab; likely agents associated with infectious disease syndromes; and procedures for the detection, identification, and susceptibility testing of etiologic agents. This objective is clearly attained by the authors. The audience is appropriately stated to include students of medical technology, medical microbiology, pathology, infectious disease, infection control, and other allied health sciences. This book should prove useful to students at the introductory and moderate experience levels. It contains a large number of excellent photographs and diagrams, many of which are in color. The large print and enlarged page size compared with t he previous edition make the text very readable. A very useful feature is the inclusion of flow charts for the identification of microorganisms. In general, although references are adequate, they are somewhat dated. This attractive book provides a large number of easily readable charts, diagrams, and tables to help organize the vast amount of information presented to the student of clinical microbiology. This is an updated edition of a classic text in diagnostic microbiology that deserves to be on the shelves of all institutions in which this discipline is taught. Bruce E. Dunn, MD(Medical College of Wisconsin). Copyright 2001, Doody Publishing