Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1: Basic principles of microbiology: Section I: Character of microorganisms: The evolution of microbiology as a modern science -- The microbial world defined -- Microbial life -- Tools and techniques in microbiology -- Section II: Character of microbial diseases: Humans and microbes in health and disease -- Host defense mechanisms in microbial infection -- Diagnosis of infectious diseases -- Section III: Epidemiology and infection control: Sources, routes and patterns of infectious diseases -- Prevention and control of infectious diseases -- Communicable disease control in the community -- Communicable disease control in the hospital -- Part 2: Microbial diseases and their epidemiology -- Section IV: Infectious diseases acquired through inhalation: Bacterial diseases acquired through the respiratory tract -- Viral diseases acquired through the respiratory tract -- Systemic and subcutaneous mycoses: fungal diseases acquired through respiratory, parenteral and endogenous routes -- Nonrespiratory diseases acquired through the respiratory tract -- Section V: Infectious diseases acquired through ingestion: Bacterial diseases acquired through the alimentary route -- Viral diseases acquired through the alimentary route -- Parasitic diseases acquired through the alimentary route -- Section VI: Infectious diseases acquired through the skin and mucosa or parenterally: Infectious diseases acquired through the skin and mucosa and transmitted by human contact -- Infectious diseases acquired through skin or mucosa and transmitted by animals or from the environment -- Infections and infectious diseases acquired through medical and surgical procedures -- Infectious diseases acquired from arthropod vectors -- Infectious diseases acquired through accidental injuries.