Search

This chapter by the co-editors in chief summarizes the major changes in the field of clinical microbiology since the last edition and lists highlights of the 11th edition of the Manual. It recognizes the important contributions of the volume editors, section editors, and authors who have contributed to this edition.

This chapter describes reference dilution (MIC) and disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test methods for nonfastidious, aerobic bacteria. It describes CLSI (United States) and EUcst (European) reference methods and standardized disk diffusion methods. The procedure for performing each test type is described as well as quality control procedures. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Finally, the most current interpretive breakpoint criteria for MIC and disk tests from the CLSI are listed.

and their disease processes based on evaluation of disease signs and symptoms. As with many infectious disease syndromes, a zoonotic infection often debuts as a nonspecific febrile illness, and a discussion of a common approach to the patient who presents with a nonspecific febrile illness could potentially help clinicians identify specific disease processes in a costefficient and time-efficient manner. The current book format requires that the reader already have some basic knowledge of the specific disease-causing agent(s) and the differential diagnoses for the disease syndrome. There are some minor inaccuracies in a number of the subchapters throughout the book. For example, we know now that 1 of the 3 hunters in Northern Wisconsin who allegedly died of CreutzfeldtJakob disease actually died of Pick disease, which has not been related to prion disease. Chloramphenicol is no longer recommended for treatment of human ehrlichial or anaplasma infections, given the lack of demonstrated in vitro effect and clinical failure in vivo resulting in fatal outcomes for several children. The mortality rate for patients with human anaplasmosis was initially estimated to be as high as 15%. More recent information indicates that the rate is 1% or lower. The impact of these and other inaccuracies on the reading experience as a whole, however, is minor. Abbreviations are frequently used throughout the text, and a short glossary of commonly used laboratory terms can be found in the introductory pages. An expanded glossary that also includes the specific disease names and their abbreviations (such as Japanese encephalitis [JE], St. Louis encephalitis [SLE], human monocytic ehrlichiosis [HME], and others) would have enhanced and expedited the reading experience. Each of the subchapters concludes