Fundamental Medical Mycology Hardcover - 2011

From the rear cover

Provides a solid foundation for both clinical laboratory and medical practice

Drawing from the most current research findings in mycology, immunology, and molecular biology, Fundamental Medical Mycology is an ideal textbook and general reference to the field. The authors' in-depth coverage of laboratory diagnostic methods, state-of-the-art infectious disease practice, and epidemiology creates a solid foundation for readers interested in clinical laboratory science, medical practice, and public health.

The text begins with three chapters that set the stage for the nineteen fungal disease-specific chapters that follow. The first chapter explores the broad spectrum of diseases, taxonomy, reproduction, physiology of the fungal cell, primary and opportunistic pathogens, and determinants of pathogenicity. The second chapter presents step-by-step classical and molecular laboratory diagnostic methods. The third chapter examines antifungal therapy as well as antifungal susceptibility testing.

Each one of the disease-specific chapters adheres to a uniform organization, making it easy to locate materials and compare the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatments for each fungal disease. Readers will find coverage of such critical topics as etiologic agents, epidemiology, risk factors, transmission, clinical and veterinary forms, therapies, and laboratory detection. Moreover, each chapter features:

• Case studies that help readers understand how fungal diseases are detected and treated
• Illustrations to support accurate identification of fungal agents and diagnosis of disease
• Questions and answers to gauge readers' grasp of key concepts as they progress in the text
• Selected references supporting further research of key concepts, fungal agents, and diseases

A glossary defines all the key terms used throughout the text.

This book serves as a current reference for clinical microbiologists and healthcare professionals and as a textbook for courses in medical mycology. No prior knowledge of mycology is assumed, making the text highly accessible to all readers who have a basic foundation in general biology and medical microbiology.