Microbiology is the study of microorganisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microbiology has proven to be one of the most important disciplines in biology making it possible to identify how some of the organisms could cause disease, discover how to treat them with antibiotics and even use of some microbes for humans diets and industries.

Microbes keep on evolving to cause new diseases. The most recent pandemic outbreaks of the 21st century have been the 2003 SARS pandemic caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) and the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by another coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has significantly changed the world.

This textbook has been structured keeping in mind the students. It provides a solid background of the subject of microbiology. Fascinating images and conceptual diagrams have been used that support the text concisely and provide a clear insight into fundamental concepts and understanding of microbes. A unique feature of the book is that every chapter has key points, important questions and MCQs with answers for quick review. It contains up-to-date information about infectious diseases, their causative agents, treatment and preventive measures including vaccines.

The book would prove to be a treasure for the nurses/nursing students of BSc/MSc, faculty and everyone else interested in medicine.

Spread in 80 chapters under five units covering all aspects of microbiology.

UNIT I : Introduction: Principles, historical development of microbiology, and its importance to nursing.

UNIT II : General characteristics, classification and identification of microorganisms.

UNIT III : Methods of infection control and role of a nurse in hospital-acquired infections/nosocomial control programme.

UNIT IV : Disease producing organisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and rodent vectors, and collection of clinical specimens for diagnosis.

UNIT V : Immunity: Concept, types/classification, serological tests, immunization, and immunization/vaccination schedule.