Presents comprehensive information on microorganisms
Covers a complete range of topics from classic microbiology to genomics
Includes new chapters on new microorganism-based diseases and pathogenic mechanisms
Introduces the latest techniques in microbiological analysis
Updates organism classifications

The field of microbiology has developed considerably in the last 20 years, building exponentially on its own discoveries and growing to encompass many other disciplines. Unfortunately, the literature in the field tends to be either encyclopedic in scope or presented as a textbook and oriented for the student. Finding its niche between these two poles, the second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook of Microbiology provides in-depth chapters on all aspects of the field, from classical microbiology to genomics, in an easily accessible volume.
Reflecting the sweeping changes in microbiology, yet retaining the popular format of the original, this second edition includes many chapter rewrites and more than 20 new or expanded chapters.