Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part One Organizing the microbial world: Fundamental characteristics of microorganisms -- Basic cell chemistry -- The world of microbiology -- Functional Anatomy I: Membranes and outer coverings -- Functional Anatomy II: Procaryotes and eucaryotes -- Laboratory equipment and procedures -- Part Two How microorganisms function - physiology: Metabolic pathways -- Growth and reproduction -- Collection, cultivation and identification of microorganisms -- The control of microorganisms -- Microbial genetics -- Part Three Host-parasite relationships: Symbiotic relationships and normal flora -- Immunology I: host defense mechanisms and immunity -- Immunology II: hypersensitivity, transplants and tumors -- Epidemiology -- Part Four Medical microbiology: Bacterial pathogens and diseases I -- Bacterial pathogens and diseases II -- Fungal, protozoan and helminth diseases -- Viruses and the disease process -- Viral diseases I: the DNA viruses -- Viral diseases II: The RNA viruses -- Part Five Environmental microbiology: Food, dairy and industrial microbiology -- Soil and agricultural microbiology -- Water and wastewater microbiology.