31 Diagnosis of infection and assessment of host defence mechanisms Introduction Good quality specimens are needed for reliable microbiologic diagnoses The precise identification of the causative organism in infection has…
9 The innate defences of the body Introduction In the preceding chapters, we have outlined some of the fundamental characteristics of the myriad types of microparasites and macroparasites that may…
27 Vector-borne infections Introduction A number of important human diseases, caused by organisms ranging from viruses to worms, are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods. These vectors inject the organisms into humans…
10 Adaptive responses provide a ‘quantum leap’ in effective defence Introduction Infectious agents frequently find ways around the innate defences In Chapter 9, we discussed the many ways in which…
19 Lower respiratory tract infections Introduction Although the respiratory tract is continuous from the nose to the alveoli, it is convenient to distinguish between infections of the upper and lower…
2 The bacteria Introduction Although free-living bacteria exist in huge numbers, relatively few species cause disease. The majority of these are well known and well studied; however, new pathogens continue…
13 Entry, exit and transmission Introduction Microorganisms must attach to, or penetrate, the host’s body surfaces The mammalian host can be considered as a series of body surfaces (Fig. 13.1)….
11 The cellular basis of adaptive immune responses Introduction As we saw in a previous chapter, adaptive immune responses are generated by lymphocytes (Fig. 11.1), which are derived from stem…
36 Hospital infection, sterilization and disinfection Introduction Infections associated with healthcare settings are an increasingly complex issue Amassing sick people together under one roof has many advantages, but some disadvantages,…
30 Infections in the compromised host Introduction The human body has a complex system of protective mechanisms to prevent infection. This involves both the adaptive (cellular and humoral) immune system…
