This text book is designed as an introduction to microbiology and its importance in the health care setting.

Infectious diseases are those caused by microorganisms and which can be spread from one individual to another; these include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi.  Prions are also infectious agents that can cause disease, although these infections are very rare.  In this course, we will talk about many different microorganisms that can cause human disease.  Students must learn to differentiate between a disease, which is a defined pathological process characterized by a particular set of signs and symptoms, and the pathogen that causes a disease.  For example, the diseases chickenpox and shingles are caused by Varicella Zoster virus; if a student is asked what causes shingles, they should answer Varicella Zoster virus or VZV. 

After reading this book, the health sciences student should feel knowledgeable about the field of clinical microbiology, and they should also understand its overall importance to their chosen career field, as well as its importance in their own health and safety.  Our goal is to make students better-prepared to enter into health care careers, with the ability to keep their patients as well as themselves safe and healthy.