Originally published: Boston, MA : McGraw-Hill, c2004. 4th ed.

Includes bibliographical references.

Life and death of microorganisms: Humans and the microbial world; Molecules of life; Microscopy and cell structure; Dynamics of prokaryotic growth; Control of microbial growth; Metabolism, fueling cell growth; Blueprint of life, from DNA to protein; Bacterial genetics; Biotechnology and recombinant DNA --- Microbial world: Identification and classification of prokaryotic organisms; Diversity of prokaryotic organisms; Eukaryotic members of the microbial world; Viruses of bacteria; Viruses, prions, and viroids, infectious agents of animals and plants -- Microorganisms and humans: Innate immune response; Adaptive immune response; Applications of immune responses; Immunologic disorders; Host-microbe interactions; Epidemiology; Antimicrobial medications -- Infectious diseases: Skin infections; Respiratory system infections; Alimentary system infections; Genitourinary infections; Nervous system infections; Wound infections; Blood and lymphatic infections; HIV disease and complications of immunodeficiency -- Applied microbiology: Microbial ecology; Environmental microbiology, treatment of water, wastes, and polluted habitats; Food microbiology -- Appendices: Microbial mathematics; Microbial terminology; Pronunciation key; Metabolic pathways; Answers to multiple choice questions -- Glossary.

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Are plants that contain genes of microorganisms safe to eat? Is it wise to put antimicrobial agents in soaps and animal feed? What is the likelihood of getting AIDS from a person infected with HIV? What are the chances of finding life on Mars? This book presents what we to believe are the most important facts and concepts about the microbial world and the important role its members play in our daily lives. -Pref.