This work focuses on essentials of infection prevention and control that all healthcare practitioners need to understand and use. Chapters in Part I describe the history of infection control, introduce basic microbiology and virology, and look at the role of the microbiology lab and the collection of specimens for investigation. This section of the book also introduces concepts of immune function and response and the nature of the pathogenesis of infection. Other areas covered include infection prevention and control in relation to universal precautions, types of healthcare-associated infection, and the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Chapters in Part II examine in depth 12 of the most common healthcare-associated infections, including tuberculosis, meningococcal disease, salmonella, and SARS. A glossary is included. Weston is an infection control adviser at East Kent Hospital. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This book provides the reader with all of the background information necessary to enhance their understanding of the rationale behind the basic principles of infection control and how to apply them in every day situations; how specific bacteria interact with the host and cause infection; the background to each of the bacteria/infections described within the text, and, evidence based recommendations on the infection control management of these.