The current diagnostic methods for the great variety of microbial agents affecting health are clearly unsatisfactory. New important pathogens have emerged including the agent responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Moreover, there is an increasing need for more accurate microbial control of our environment, and of the food and water we consume. What is needed are rapid, sensitive and reliable procedures which, on the one hand, should be suitable for automation and, onthe other hand, presented in a cost-effective version suitable for field use. Including new biochemical approaches,...

those who deal with infectious diseases on a daily This two volume work stems from the belief of the Editors that infectious diseases are not only very basis. much with us today but, more importantly, that they There are several excellent textbooks dealing will continue to playa significant global role in mor with medical microbiology, and there are equally well-recognized books devoted to infectious dis bidity and mortality in all people. A continuing need for an informed and knowledgeable community of eases. The Editors of this work, on the other hand, laboratory scientists is fundamental....