Includes index.

Contents: The scope of microbiology -- The history of microbiology -- The characterization,classification,and identification of microorganisms -- The microscopic examination of microorganisms -- The morphology and fine structure of bacteria -- The cultivation of bacteria -- Reproduction and growth -- Pure culture and culture characteristic -- Enzymes and their regulation -- Microbial metabolism:energy production -- Microbial metabolism:utilization of energy and biosynthesis -- Bacterial genetics -- The world of bacteria I:''ordinary'' gram-negative bacteria -- The world of bacteria II: ''ordinary gram-positive bacteria -- The world of bacteria III: ''ordinary with unsual properties -- The world of bacteria IV: 'gram-positive,filamentous bacteria of complex morphology -- Fungi-model and yeasts -- Algae -- Protozoa -- viruses of bacteria -- Viruses of animals and plant -- Control of microorganisms by chemical agents -- Antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents -- Microbiology of soil -- Aquatic microbiology -- Microbiology of domestic water and wastewater -- Microbiology of food -- Industrial microbiology -- Microbial flora of the healthy human host -- Host-microbe interactions: the process of infection -- Natural resistance and nonspecific defense mechanisms -- Basic and theoretical aspects of the immune response -- Assays and applications of immune response -- Epidemiology of infectious diseases -- Microbial agents of diseases: bacteria -- Microbial of agents of diseases : viruses -- Microbial Agents of diseases: fungi and protozoa -- Glossary.