The essence of this book is to describe the basic properties of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents and to discuss the principles underlying the rational use of antimicrobial agents in the management of infection. The aim is to encourage good prescribing habits in doctors throughout the world. After a short historical introduction, the text deals with the general properties of antimicrobial compounds of all kinds (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal and anthelminthic agents); laboratory aspects of antimicrobial chemotherapy (including antibiotic interactions and use of the laboratory); resistance to antimicrobial agents (including mechanisms of resistance and the control of resistance);general principles of antibiotic usage (including pharmacokinetic issues, the prophylactic use of antibiotics, and special concerns of treatment of young children and the elderly) and the use of antimicrobial therapy in specific types of infection. There is a postscript on the development and marketing of antimicrobial agents.

Reviews of previous editions: 'This reasonably priced volume is recommended without reservation for students and junior doctors, pharmacists, laboratory and other health care staff. I would also recommend it for microbiology departmental libraries.' Journal of Infection
'...... well written, accomplishing the stated aims. All tables are essential to the discussion and easy to understand. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
'The new edition retains the formula-winning layout of the first edition ... It is, to my knowledge, the only authoritative book written at this level, and it is required reading for students. Journal ofHospital Infection
'The book covers an enormous amount of material, dealing as it does with antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan and antiviral agents. Almost every aspect is covered ... the authors have in general managed to distil into the text the essential elements of the topics and ensure that the treatment is not superficial ... this paperback edition ... is very good value for money. It can truly be considered to cover, at a basic level, "all you need to know" about antimicrobial chemotherapy and can be highly recommended for junior clinical staff, pharmacy staff and junior biomedical scientists; their more senior colleagues will also find much of value in this new edition of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.' British Journal of Biomedical Science
'This updated textbook provides young doctors and students with the fundamental principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy. This third edition has been thoroughly revised and extensively rewritten. Drugs of Today
'...excellently suited for trainee nurses, pharmacists and medical laboratory science officers ... Its short, but comprehensive covering of the topic make it highly advisable for everyone looking for basic knowledge of the properties and uses of antimicrobial drugs.' Infection
'I think this is a useful reference textbook which undergraduate medical students will find beneficial in coming to grips with the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy.' Journal of Medical Microbiology