This text supplies the "bare necessities" of knowledge for clinical practice. The focus of the book is to provide students with the information they need in an easy-to-use, memorable format. The authors maintain the student focus and visual appeal of the last edition, but have added more features whilst paring down content for an even finer approach. The format of the text is a logical building-block approach to microbiology. This progressive approach from basic principles and concepts to systematic identification of etiologic agents of infectious diseases allows for greater understanding and development of problem solving skills.Student-friendly approach- Illustrations and Procedures clarify information and show students what to expect in the laboratory. Tables and Boxes pull key information out of the text and put it in a more memorable formatLevel of Content - Carefully written chapters are not cluttered with esoteric information that might overwhelm studentsThe chapters on using Gram Stain and colonial morphology are unique to this text - This text provides all the background necessary for assimilation and recall of difficult informationOrgan-System Approach to Diagnosis - This approach makes the text come alive for students, because they can immediately fit their laboratory work into the larger pictureEmerging viral pathogens, newly recognized parasitic agents, emerging resistance, and emerging technologies - This important field is constantly changing, and the authors have provided up-to-the minute content Read Less