Includes bibliographical references and index.

The microbial world -- Handling and growing microorganisms -- Bacter ial structure and function -- Mycology -- Protozoa -- Viruses and viral infections -- Characteristics of other microorganisms and infectious a gents -- Infection and immunity -- Antibiotics : their mechanisms of ac tion, selection, and use -- Characteristics of modern antibiotics -- An tifungal agents -- Antiviral agents -- Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics -- Antimicrobial stewardship -- Bioburdens : the enumeratio n and identification of bacteria -- Classes of non-antibiotic antimicro bial agents -- The manufacture of medicines : product contamination and preservation -- Design of sterilization processes -- The operation and control of sterilization processes -- The use of microorganisms in the manufacture of medicines.