Includes bibliographic references and index.

Microbes as parasites -- The bacteria -- The viruses -- The fungi -- The protozoa -- The helminths and arthropods -- Prions -- The host-parasite relationship -- The innate defences of the body -- Adaptive responses provide a 'quantum leap' in effective defence -- The cellular basis of adaptive immune responses -- Background to the infectious diseases -- Entry, exit and transmission -- Immune defences in action -- Spread and replication -- Parasite survival strategies and persistent infections -- Pathologic consequences of infection -- Upper respiratory tract infections -- Upper respiratory tract infections -- Lower respiratory tract infections -- Urinary tract infections -- Sexually transmitted infections -- Gastrointestinal tract infections -- Obstetric and perinatal infections -- Central nervous system infections -- Infections of the eye -- Infections of the skin, soft tissue, muscle and associated systems -- Vector-borne infections -- Multisystem zoonoses -- Fever of unknown origin -- Infections in the compromised host -- Diagnosis of infection and assessment of host defence mechanisms -- Epidemiology and control of infectious diseases -- Attacking the enemy: antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy -- Protecting the host: vaccination -- Passive and non-specific immunotherapy -- Hospital infection, sterilization and disinfection.