Principles of Medical Biology: Microbiology

Principles of Medical Biology: Microbiology is a concise teaching resource designed to introduce the fundamental principles and concepts of medical microbiology. Published by Elsevier Science, the book provides balanced coverage of the four major areas of the field: bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology.

Rather than attempting to provide an encyclopedic account of microbiology, the book emphasizes concepts and principles that can support small-group teaching and problem-based learning. Its focused approach makes it suitable for students who need a readable foundation in medical microbiology while leaving more specialized topics for further study and discussion.

About the Book

The book provides an integrated introduction to medical microbiology, covering the major groups of microorganisms associated with human disease and highlighting concepts with clinical and educational relevance.

Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, and Parasitology

The core of the book is organized around the four principal areas of medical microbiology: bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This balanced approach gives students a broad foundation without the extensive detail of a large reference textbook.

Principles and Concepts

The emphasis is on understanding fundamental microbiological principles rather than memorizing large amounts of information. This makes the material particularly appropriate for guided teaching, classroom discussion, and independent review.

Viral Diseases and HIV

A substantial portion of the supplied material focuses on viral diseases, including HIV infection and the biological mechanisms involved in viral entry into human cells. The discussion reflects the scientific understanding and therapeutic landscape of the period in which the book was published.

Antimicrobial Resistance

The book also addresses the important problem of microbial resistance, including resistance to antibiotics and the emerging concern surrounding resistance to antiviral agents. These topics provide useful context for understanding challenges in the treatment and control of infectious diseases.

Clinically Relevant Microbiology

Several chapters connect microbiological principles with clinical problems. Topics such as hospital-associated pathogens, sexually transmitted infections, and fever of unknown origin demonstrate how microbiology can be applied to clinical reasoning.

Problem-Based Learning

The discussion of fever of unknown origin is highlighted as particularly suitable for problem-based learning. This approach encourages students to use microbiological knowledge alongside clinical reasoning rather than treating the subject as a collection of isolated facts.

Who Should Use This Book?

• Medical students studying introductory microbiology
• Students taking courses in medical biology
• Learners studying bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology
• Students participating in small-group teaching
• Healthcare students seeking a concise microbiology foundation
• Learners interested in clinically oriented problem-based study

Final Thoughts

Principles of Medical Biology: Microbiology provides a focused introduction to the major areas of medical microbiology, emphasizing principles and concepts rather than encyclopedic detail. Its coverage of bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, antimicrobial resistance, HIV, and clinically relevant problems makes it a useful supplementary resource for students developing their foundational understanding of medical microbiology.

Book Information

Title: Principles of Medical Biology: Microbiology
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Publication Date: February 16, 1998
Edition: 1st
Language: English
Print Length: 404 pages
ASIN: B001MYL44E
ISBN-13: 978-0080539546
Subjects: Medical Microbiology, Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, Parasitology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Biology, Microbial Resistance, HIV, Clinical Microbiology, Problem-Based Learning

Principles of Medical Biology: Microbiology is a concise teaching resource covering the fundamental principles of bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology with an emphasis on clinical relevance and problem-based learning.