List of Boxes and Notebooks Preface I. Microbiology: The Fundamentals 1. Scope and History of Microbiology. 2. Fundamentals of Chemistry. 3. Microscopy and Staining. Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. II. Microbial Metabolism, Growth, and Genetics 5. Essential Concepts of Metabolism. 6. Growth and Culturing of Bacteria. 7. Microbial Genetics Gene Transfer and Genetic Engineering. III. The Roster of Microbes and Multicellular Parasites 9. An Introduction to Taxonomy: The Bacteria. 10. Viruses. Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Parasites. IV. Control of Microorganisms 12. Sterilization and Infection. Antimicrobial Therapy. V. Host-Microbe Interactions 14. Host-Microbe Relationships and Disease Processes. Epidemiology and Nosocomial Infections Innate Host Defenses Immunology I: Basic Principles of Specific Immunity and Immunization. Immunology II: Immunological Disorders and Tests. Infectious Disease of Human Organ Systems Diseases of the Skin and Eyes; Wounds and Bites. Urogenital and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Diseases of the Respiratory System. Oral and Gastrointestinal Diseases. Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Systemic Diseases. Diseases of the Nervous System VII. Environmental and Applied Microbiology Environmental Biology Applied Microbiology Appendix A: Metric System Measurement Conversion and Math Tool. Appendix B: Classification of Bacteria and Viruses Appendix C: Word Roots Commonly Encountered in Microbiology Appendix D: Safety Precautions in the Handling of Clinical Specimens