Microbiology, a human perspective 6th ed e nester (mcgraw hill, 2009) 1

A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE

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sixth edition

A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE

Eugene W. Nester
University of Washington

Denise G. Anderson
University of Washington

C. Evans Roberts, Jr.
University of Washington

Martha T. Nester

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MICROBIOLOGY: A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE, SIXTH EDITION

Published by McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2009 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Previous
editions © 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, and 1995. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in
any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning.
Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the
United States.
This book is printed on recycled, acid-free paper containing 10% postconsumer waste.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 QPD/QPD 0 9 8
ISBN 978–0–07–299543–5
MHID 0–07–299543–2

Publisher: Michelle Watnick
Senior Sponsoring Editor: James F. Connely
Director of Development: Kristine Tibbetts
Senior Developmental Editor: Lisa A. Bruflodt
Project Coordinator: Mary Jane Lampe
Senior Production Supervisor: Laura Fuller
Senior Media Project Manager: Tammy Juran
Senior Designer: David W. Hash
Cover/Interior Designer: Jamie E. O’Neal
(USE) Cover Image: color enhanced photomicrograph of Salmonella Enteritidis,
©Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
Senior Photo Research Coordinator: John C. Leland
Photo Research: David Tietz/Editorial Image, LLC
Compositor: Electronic Publishing Services Inc., NY

Typeface: 10/12 Times
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The credits section for this book begins on page C-1 and is considered an extension of the copyright page.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Microbiology : a human perspective / Eugene W. Nester ... [et al.]. — 6th ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978–0–07–299543–5 — ISBN 0–07–299543–2 (hard copy : alk. paper) 1. Microbiology.
I. Nester, Eugene W.
[DNLM: 1. Microbiological Techniques. 2. Communicable Diseases—microbiology. QW 4 M62555 2009]
QR41.2.M485
2009
616.9’041—dc22
2008019596

www.mhhe.com

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We dedicate this book to our students;
we hope it helps to enrich their lives and to make them
better informed citizens,

to our families
whose patience and endurance
made completion of this project a reality,

to Anne Nongthanat Panarak Roberts
in recognition of her invaluable help,
patience, and understanding,

to our colleagues
for continuing encouragement
and advice.

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PART I
LIFE AND DEATH OF MICROORGANISMS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Humans and the Microbial World 1
The Molecules of Life 18
Microscopy and Cell Structure 40
Dynamics of Prokaryotic Growth 83

Control of Microbial Growth 107
Metabolism: Fueling Cell Growth 126
The Blueprint of Life, from DNA to Protein 161
Bacterial Genetics 185
Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA 212

PART IV
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

Respiratory System Infections 495
Skin Infections 531
Wound Infections 559
Digestive System Infections 581
Genitourinary Infections 618
Nervous System Infections 647
Blood and Lymphatic Infections 674
HIV Disease and Complications of
Immunodeficiency 697

PART II
THE MICROBIAL WORLD
10 Identification and Classification of Prokaryotic

Organisms 232
11 The Diversity of Prokaryotic Organisms 251
12 The Eukaryotic Members of the Microbial World 280
13 Viruses of Bacteria 302
14 Viruses, Prions, and Viroids: Infectious Agents of
Animals and Plants 320

PART V
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
30 Microbial Ecology 721
31 Environmental Microbiology: Treatment of Water,
Wastes, and Polluted Habitats 738
32 Food Microbiology 753

APPENDICES A-1
GLOSSARY G-1

PART III
MICROORGANISMS AND HUMANS
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

CREDITS C-1
INDEX I-1

The Innate Immune Response 346
The Adaptive Immune Response 366
Host-Microbe Interactions 391
Immunologic Disorders 414
Applications of Immune Responses 431
Epidemiology 450
Antimicrobial Medications 469

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CHAPTER TWO

About the Authors xxii
Preface xxiv
Guided Tour xxx

The Molecules of Life 18
A Glimpse of History 18
Key Terms 19

2.1

Atoms and Elements 18

2.2

Chemical Bonds and the Formation of Molecules 20
Ionic Bonds 20
Covalent Bonds 21
Hydrogen Bonds 22

2.3

Chemical Components of the Cell 23
Water 23
pH 24
Small Molecules in the Cell 25
Macromolecules and Their Component Parts 25

2.4

Proteins and Their Functions 25
Amino Acid Subunits 26
Peptide Bonds and Their Synthesis 28
Protein Structure 28
Substituted Proteins 30

2.5

Carbohydrates 30
Monosaccharides 30
Disaccharides 32
Polysaccharides 32

2.6

Nucleic Acids 32
DNA 32
RNA 34

2.7

Lipids 35
Simple Lipids 35
Compound Lipids 36

PART I
LIFE AND DEATH OF MICROORGANISMS
CHAPTER ONE

Humans and the Microbial World 1
A Glimpse of History 1
Key Terms 2

1.1

The Origin of Microorganisms 1
Theory of Spontaneous Generation Revisited 2

1.2

Microbiology: A Human Perspective 6
Features of the Microbial World 6
Vital Activities of Microorganisms 6
Applications of Microbiology 6

Medical Microbiology 7
Microorganisms As Model Organisms 9

1.3

Members of The Microbial World 9
Bacteria 10
Archaea 10
Eucarya 10
Nomenclature 12

1.4

Viruses, Viroids, and Prions 12

1.5

Size in the Microbial World 14
PERSPECTIVE 2.1: Isotopes: Valuable Tools for the Study of Biological

PERSPECTIVE 1.1: The Long and the Short of It 15
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Entering a New Golden Age 16
SUMMARY 16
REVIEW QUESTIONS 17

Systems 26

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Fold Properly: Do Not Bend or Mutilate 37
SUMMARY 37
REVIEW QUESTIONS 38

vii

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viii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER THREE

Ribosomes 68
Cytoskeleton 68
Storage Granules 68
Gas Vesicles 68
Endospores 69

Microscopy and Cell Structure 40
A Glimpse of History 40
Key Terms 41

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL

MICROSCOPY AND CELL MORPHOLOGY
3.1

Microscopic Techniques: The Instruments 41

Principles of Light Microscopy: The Bright-Field
Microscope 41
Light Microscopes That Increase Contrast 43
Electron Microscopes 46
Atomic Force Microscopy 48

3.10

The Plasma Membrane 72

3.11

Transfer of Molecules Across the Plasma
Membrane 73
Transport Proteins 73
Endocytosis and Exocytosis 73
Secretion 74

3.2

Microscopic Techniques: Dyes and Staining 48
Differential Stains 49
Special Stains to Observe Cell Structures 50
Fluorescent Dyes and Tags 51

3.12

Protein Structures Within the Cell 74
Ribosomes 74
Cytoskeleton 74

Flagella and Cilia 74

3.3

Morphology of Prokaryotic Cells 52
Shapes 52
Groupings 53
Multicellular Associations 53

3.13

Membrane-Bound Organelles 75
The Nucleus 75
Mitochondria 76
Chloroplasts 77
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) 77
The Golgi Apparatus 78
Lysosomes and Peroxisomes 79

THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROKARYOTIC CELL
3.4

3.5

3.6

The Cytoplasmic Membrane 55
Structure and Chemistry of the Cytoplasmic
Membrane 56
Permeability of the Cytoplasmic Membrane 56

The Role of the Cytoplasmic Membrane in Energy
Transformation 57

PERSPECTIVE 3.1: The Origins of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts 77
FUTURE CHALLENGES: A Case of Breaking and Entering 79
SUMMARY 79
REVIEW QUESTIONS 81

Directed Movement of Molecules Across the
Cytoplasmic Membrane 57
Transport Systems 58
Secretion 59
Cell Wall 59
Peptidoglycan 60
The Gram-Positive Cell Wall 61
The Gram-Negative Cell Wall 62
Antibacterial Substances that Target Peptidoglycan 63
Differences in Cell Wall Composition and
the Gram Stain 63
Characteristics of Bacteria that Lack a Cell Wall 63
Cell Walls of the Domain Archaea 64

3.7

Capsules and Slime Layers 64

3.8

Filamentous Protein Appendages 65
Flagella 65

Pili 66

3.9

Internal Structures 67
The Chromosome 67
Plasmids 68

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CHAPTER FOUR

Dynamics of Prokaryotic Growth 83
A Glimpse of History 83
Key Terms 84

4.1

Principles of Prokaryotic Growth 84

4.2

Bacterial Growth in Nature 85
Biofilms 85
Interactions of Mixed Microbial
Communities 86

4.3

Obtaining a Pure Culture 86

Cultivating Bacteria on a Solid Culture
Medium 86
The Streak-Plate Method 87
Maintaining Stock Cultures 88

4.4

Bacterial Growth in Laboratory Conditions 88
The Growth Curve 88
Colony Growth 89
Continuous Culture 90

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CONTENTS

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

Environmental Factors That Influence Microbial
Growth 90
Temperature Requirements 90
Oxygen (O2) Requirements 91
pH 92

Water Availability 93
Nutritional Factors That Influence Microbial
Growth 93
Required Elements 93
Growth Factors 94
Energy Sources 94
Nutritional Diversity 95
Cultivating Prokaryotes in the Laboratory 95
General Categories of Culture Media 95
Special Types of Culture Media 96
Providing Appropriate Atmospheric
Conditions 97
Enrichment Cultures 98

5.4

Using Other Physical Methods to Remove or Destroy
Microbes 115
Filtration 115
Radiation 115
High Pressure 116

5.5

Using Chemicals to Destroy Microorganisms and
Viruses 116
Potency of Germicidal Chemical Formulations 117
Selecting the Appropriate Germicidal Chemical 117
Classes of Germicidal Chemicals 118

5.6

Preservation of Perishable Products 121
Chemical Preservatives 122
Low-Temperature Storage 122
Reducing the Available Water 122

PERSPECTIVE 5.1: Contamination of an Operating Room by a Bacterial
Pathogen 121

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Too Much of a Good Thing? 123
SUMMARY 123
REVIEW QUESTIONS 124

Methods to Detect and Measure Bacterial
Growth 99
Direct Cell Counts 99
Viable Cell Counts 100
Measuring Biomass 102
Detecting Cell Products 103

CHAPTER SIX

Metabolism: Fueling Cell Growth 126
A Glimpse of History 126

PERSPECTIVE 4.1: Can Prokaryotes Live on Only Rocks and
Water? 94

Key Terms 127

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Seeing How the Other 99% Lives 104

6.1

Principles of Metabolism 127
Harvesting Energy 128
Components of Metabolic Pathways 129
Precursor Metabolites 131
Overview of Metabolism 132

6.2

Enzymes 134
Mechanisms and Consequences of Enzyme
Action 134
Cofactors and Coenzymes 135
Environmental Factors That Influence Enzyme
Activity 136
Allosteric Regulation 137
Enzyme Inhibition 137

6.3

The Central Metabolic Pathways 138
Glycolysis 139
Pentose Phosphate Pathway 139
Transition Step 141
Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle 142

6.4

Respiration 142
The Electron Transport Chain—Generating Proton
Motive Force 143
ATP Synthase—Harvesting the Proton Motive Force to
Synthesize ATP 145
ATP Yield of Aerobic Respiration in Prokaryotes 146

SUMMARY 104
REVIEW QUESTIONS 105

CHAPTER FIVE

Control of Microbial Growth 107
A Glimpse of History 107
Key Terms 108

5.1

Approaches to Control 107
Principles of Control 108
Situational Considerations 108

5.2

Selection of an Antimicrobial Procedure 110
Type of Microorganism 110
Numbers of Microorganisms Initially
Present 110

Environmental Conditions 111
Potential Risk of Infection 111
Composition of the Item 111

5.3

Using Heat to Destroy Microorganisms and
Viruses 111
Moist Heat 112
Dry Heat 114

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x

CONTENTS

6.5

Fermentation 147

7.6

Regulation of Eukaryotic Gene Expression 179

6.6

Catabolism of Organic Compounds Other Than
Glucose 148
Polysaccharides and Disaccharides 149
Lipids 150
Proteins 150

7.7

Sensing and Responding to Environmental
Fluctuations 180
Signal Transduction 180
Natural Selection 181

7.8

6.7

Chemolithotrophs 150

Genomics 181
Analyzing a Prokaryotic DNA Sequence 181

6.8

Photosynthesis 151
Capturing Radiant Energy 152
Converting Radiant Energy into Chemical
Energy 153

6.9

Carbon Fixation 154
Calvin Cycle 154

6.10

Anabolic Pathways—Synthesizing Subunits from
Precursor Molecules 155
Lipid Synthesis 155
Amino Acid Synthesis 156
Nucleotide Synthesis 157

PERSPECTIVE 6.1: Mining with Microbes 151

PERSPECTIVE 7.1: RNA: The First Macromolecule? 175
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Gems in the Genomes? 182
SUMMARY 182
REVIEW QUESTIONS 183

CHAPTER EIGHT

Bacterial Genetics 185
A Glimpse of History 185
Key Terms 186

8.1

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Going to Extremes 158

SUMMARY 158
REVIEW QUESTIONS 160

GENE MUTATION AS A MECHANISM
OF GENETIC CHANGE
8.2

Spontaneous Mutation 187
Base Substitution 188
Removal or Addition of Nucleotides 189
Transposable Elements (Jumping Genes) 189

8.3

Induced Mutations 190
Chemical Mutagens 190
Transposition 191
Radiation 192

8.4

Repair of Damaged DNA 192
Repair of Errors in Base Incorporation 192
Repair of Thymine Dimers 193
Repair of Modified Bases in DNA 193
SOS Repair 193

8.5

Mutant Selection 195

Direct Selection 195
Indirect Selection 195
Testing of Chemicals for Their Cancer-Causing
Ability 196

CHAPTER SEVEN

The Blueprint of Life, from DNA
to Protein 161
A Glimpse of History 161
Key Terms 162

7.1

Overview 162
Characteristics of DNA 162
Characteristics of RNA 164
Regulating the Expression of Genes 164

7.2

DNA Replication 164
Initiation of DNA Replication 166
The Replication Fork 166

7.3

Gene Expression in Bacteria 168
Transcription 168
Translation 170

7.4

Differences Between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Gene
Expression 175

7.5

Regulation of Bacterial Gene Expression 176
Principles of Regulation 176
Mechanisms to Control Transcription 176
The lac Operon As a Model for Control of Metabolic
Pathways 177

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Genetic Change in Bacteria 186

GENE TRANSFER AS A MECHANISM
OF GENETIC CHANGE
8.6

DNA-Mediated Transformation 199
Natural Competence 200
Artificial Competence 201

8.7

Transduction 201

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CONTENTS

8.8

Conjugation 202
Plasmid Transfer 202
Chromosome Transfer 203
F’ Donors 204

8.9

The Mobile Gene Pool 205
Plasmids 205
Transposons 207
Genomic Islands 208

PART II
THE MICROBIAL WORLD

PERSPECTIVE 8.1: The Biological Function of DNA: A Discovery

CHAPTER TEN

Ahead of Its Time 199

PERSPECTIVE 8.2: Bacteria Can Conjugate with Plants: A Natural Case

Identification and Classification
of Prokaryotic Organisms 232

of Genetic Engineering 206

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Hunting for Magic Bullets 208

A Glimpse of History 232

SUMMARY 209
REVIEW QUESTIONS 210

CHAPTER NINE

Key Terms 233

10.1

Principles of Taxonomy 233
Strategies Used to Identify Prokaryotes 233
Strategies Used to Classify Prokaryotes 233
Nomenclature 235

10.2

Using Phenotypic Characteristics to Identify
Prokaryotes 237
Microscopic Morphology 237
Metabolic Capabilities 238
Serology 240

Fatty Acid Analysis (FAME) 240

10.3

Using Genotypic Characteristics to Identify
Prokaryotes 241
Detecting Specific Nucleotide Sequences
Using Nucleic Acid Probes 242
Amplifying Specific DNA Sequences Using the
Polymerase Chain Reaction 242
Sequencing Ribosomal RNA Genes 242

10.4

Characterizing Strain Differences 243
Biochemical Typing 243
Serological Typing 243
Genomic Typing 243
Phage Typing 244
Antibiograms 245

10.5

Classifying Prokaryotes 246
16S rDNA Sequence Analysis 246
DNA Hybridization 247
DNA Base Ratio (G+C Content) 248
Phenotypic Methods 248

Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA 212

A Glimpse of History 212
Key Terms 213

9.1

Fundamental Tools Used in Biotechnology 213
Restriction Enzymes 213
Gel Electrophoresis 214

9.2

Applications of Genetic Engineering 215
Genetically Engineered Bacteria 215
Genetically Engineered Eukaryotes 217

9.3

Techniques Used in Genetic Engineering 218
Obtaining DNA 218
Generating a Recombinant DNA Molecule 218
Introducing the Recombinant DNA into
a New Host 220

9.4

Concerns Regarding Genetic Engineering and Other
DNA Technologies 221

9.5

DNA Sequencing 221
Techniques Used in DNA Sequencing 221

9.6

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 223
Techniques Used in PCR 224
The Three-Step Amplification Cycle 224

9.7

Probe Technologies 227
Colony Blotting 228
Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) 228
DNA Microarrays 228

xi

PERSPECTIVE 10.1: Tracing the Source of an Outbreak of Foodborne
Disease 244

PERSPECTIVE 9.1: Science Takes the Witness Stand 225
SUMMARY 230
REVIEW QUESTIONS 230

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FUTURE CHALLENGES: Tangled Branches in the Phylogenetic Tree 249
SUMMARY 249
REVIEW QUESTIONS 250

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xii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SUMMARY 277
REVIEW QUESTIONS 278

The Diversity of Prokaryotic
Organisms 251
A Glimpse of History 251
Key Terms 252

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Eukaryotic Members of the Microbial
World 280
A Glimpse of History 280

METABOLIC DIVERSITY
11.1

11.2

Anaerobic Chemotrophs 253

Anaerobic Chemolithotrophs 253
Anaerobic Chemoorganotrophs—Anaerobic
Respiration 254
Anaerobic Chemoorganotrophs—
Fermentation 254
Anoxygenic Phototrophs 256
The Purple Bacteria 256
The Green Bacteria 257
Other Anoxygenic Phototrophs 257

11.3

Oxygenic Phototrophs 257
The Cyanobacteria 258

11.4

Aerobic Chemolithotrophs 259
The Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria 259
The Nitrifiers 260
The Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria 260

11.5

Aerobic Chemoorganotrophs 261
Obligate Aerobes 261
Facultative Anaerobes 262
ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

11.6

11.7

11.8

11.9

Thriving in Terrestrial Environments 263
Bacteria That Form a Resting Stage 264
Bacteria That Associate with Plants 267
Thriving in Aquatic Environments 266
Sheathed Bacteria 266
Prosthecate Bacteria 266
Bacteria That Derive Nutrients from Other
Organisms 267
Bacteria That Move by Unusual Mechanisms 269
Bacteria That Form Storage Granules 270

Key Terms 281

12.1

Algae 281
Classification of Algae 282
Algal Habitats 282
Structure of Algae 282
Algal Reproduction 283
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning 284

12.2

Protozoa 285
Classification of Protozoa 285
Protozoan Habitats 286
Structure of Protozoa 287
Protozoan Reproduction 287
Protozoa and Human Disease 288

12.3

Fungi 288
Classification of Fungi 288
Fungal Habitats 290
Fungal Disease in Humans 292
Symbiotic Relationships Between Fungi and Other
Organisms 292
Economic Importance of Fungi 293

12.4

Slime Molds and Water Molds 294
Plasmodial and Cellular Slime Molds 294
Oomycetes (Water Molds) 294

12.5

Multicellular Parasites: Arthropods and
Helminths 295
Arthropods 295
Helminths 297

PERSPECTIVE 12.1: How Marine Phytoplankton Help Combat Global
Warming 285

FUTURE CHALLENGES: The Continued Fight to Eradicate
Malaria 299

SUMMARY 300
REVIEW QUESTIONS 301

Animals As Habitats 270
Bacteria That Inhabit the Skin 270
Bacteria That Inhabit Mucous Membranes 272
Obligate Intracellular Parasites 273

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Viruses of Bacteria 302

Archaea That Thrive in Extreme Conditions 275
Extreme Halophiles 275
Extreme Thermophiles 275

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Astrobiology: The Search for Life on Other
Planets 276

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A Glimpse of History 302
Key Terms 303

13.1

General Characteristics of Viruses 302
Virus Architecture 303

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CONTENTS

The Viral Genome 304
Replication Cycle—Overall Features 304
13.2

13.3

13.4

Phage Interactions with Host Cells 306
Lytic Phage Replication by Double-Stranded
DNA Phages 306
Lytic Single-Stranded RNA Phages 308
Phage Replication in a Latent State—Phage
Lambda 308
Extrusion Following Phage Replication—Filamentous
Phages 311
Lytic Infection by Single-Stranded DNA
Phages 311

14.7

PART III
MICROORGANISMS AND HUMANS
CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Microbe Mimicker 305

The Innate Immune Response 346

PERSPECTIVE 13.2: Viral Soup 309
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Take Two Phage and Call Me in the

A Glimpse of History 346

Morning 316

Key Terms 347

15.1

Overview of the Innate Defenses 347

15.2

First-Line Defenses 348
Physical Barriers 348
Antimicrobial Substances 348
Normal Microbiota (Flora) 349

15.3

The Cells of the Immune System 350
Granulocytes 350
Mononuclear Phagocytes 350
Dendritic Cells 352
Lymphocytes 352

15.4

Cell Communication 353
Surface Receptors 353
Cytokines 353
Adhesion Molecules 354

15.5

Sensor Systems 354
Toll-Like Receptors and NOD Proteins 355
The Complement System 355
Sensors That Detect Long Double-Stranded RNA
(dsRNA) 357

15.6

Phagocytosis 358
The Process of Phagocytosis 358
Specialized Attributes of Macrophages 358
Specialized Attributes of Neutrophils 359

15.7

Inflammation—A Coordinated Response to
Invasion or Damage 360
Factors That Initiate the Inflammatory Response 360

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Viruses, Prions, and Viroids:
Infectious Agents of Animals
and Plants 320
A Glimpse of History 320
Key Terms 321

14.1

14.2

Structure and Classification of Animal Viruses 321
Classification of Animal Viruses 321
Groupings Based on Routes of Transmission 322
Interactions of Animal Viruses with their Hosts 325
Acute Infections 325
Persistent Infections 329

14.3

Viruses and Human Tumors 333
Retroviruses and Human Tumors 333

14.4

Viral Genetic Alterations 335
Genome Exchange in Segmented Viruses 335

14.5

Methods Used to Study Viruses 336
Cultivation of Host Cells 336
Quantitation 337

14.6

Plant Viruses 339
Spread of Plant Viruses 339
Insect Transmission of Plant Viruses 340

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343

SUMMARY 343
REVIEW QUESTIONS 344

Host Range of Phages 314
Receptors on the Bacterial Surface 314
Restriction-Modification System 314

SUMMARY 316
REVIEW QUESTIONS 318

Other Infectious Agents 340
Prions 341
Viroids 342

PERSPECTIVE 14.1: A Whodunit in Molecular Virology 336
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Great Promise, Greater Challenges

Transduction 313
Generalized Transduction 313
Specialized Transduction 313

PERSPECTIVE 13.1:

xiii

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xiv

CONTENTS

The Inflammatory Process 360
Outcomes of Inflammation 361
Apoptosis—Controlled Cell Death That Circumvents
the Inflammatory Process 362
15.8

Positive and Negative Selection of Self-Reactive

T Cells 387
PERSPECTIVE 16.1: What Flavor Are Your Major Histocompatibility
Complex Molecules? 385

Fever 362

SUMMARY 388
REVIEW QUESTIONS 389

PERSPECTIVE 15.1: For Schistosoma, the Inflammatory Response
Delivers 362

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

SUMMARY 363
REVIEW QUESTIONS 364

Host-Microbe Interactions 391

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

A Glimpse of History 391
Key Terms 392

The Adaptive Immune Response 366

MICROBES, HEALTH, AND DISEASE

A Glimpse of History 366

16.1

Key Terms 367

17.1

Strategy of the Adaptive Immune Response 367
Overview of Humoral Immunity 367
Overview of Cellular Immunity 368

The Anatomical Barriers As Ecosystems 392
Symbiotic Relationships Between Microorganisms
and Hosts 392

17.2

The Normal Microbiota 393
The Protective Role of the Normal
Microbiota 393
The Dynamic Nature of the Normal
Microbiota 393

17.3

Principles of Infectious Diseases 394
Pathogenicity 394
Characteristics of Infectious Disease 394

17.4

Establishing the Cause of Infectious Disease 395
Koch’s Postulates 396
Molecular Koch’s Postulates 396

16.2

Anatomy of the Lymphoid System 369
Lymphatic Vessels 370
Secondary Lymphoid Organs 370
Primary Lymphoid Organs 370

16.3

The Nature of Antigens 370

16.4

The Nature of Antibodies 371
Structure and Properties of Antibodies 371
Protective Outcomes of Antibody-Antigen
Binding 372
Immunoglobulin Classes 373

16.5

Clonal Selection and Expansion of
Lymphocytes 375

16.6

B Lymphocytes and the Antibody Response 376
B-Cell Activation 377
Characteristics of the Primary Response 377
Characteristics of the Secondary Response 379
The Response to T-Independent Antigens 379

16.7

T Lymphocytes: Antigen Recognition and
Response 379
General Characteristics of T Cells 380
Activation of T Cells 381
Functions of TC (CD8) Cells 382
Functions of TH (CD4) Cells 383
Subsets of Dendritic Cells and T Cells 383

16.8

Natural Killer (NK) Cells 384

16.9

Lymphocyte Development 385
Generation of Diversity 387
Negative Selection of Self-Reactive B Cells 387

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MECHANISMS OF PATHOGENESIS
17.5

Establishment of Infection 397
Adherence 397
Colonization 398
Delivery of Effector Molecules to Host
Cells 398

17.6

Invasion—Breaching the Anatomical
Barriers 399
Penetration of Skin 399
Penetration of Mucous Membranes 399

17.7

Avoiding the Host Defenses 400
Hiding Within a Host Cell 400
Avoiding Killing by Complement System
Proteins 400
Avoiding Destruction by Phagocytes 401
Avoiding Antibodies 403

17.8

Damage to the Host 403
Exotoxins 403

8/27/08 1:39:33 PM

CONTENTS

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Endotoxin and Other Bacterial Cell Wall
Components 407
Damaging Effects of the Immune Response 408
17.9

Applications of Immune
Responses 431

Mechanisms of Viral Pathogenesis 408
Binding to Host Cells and Invasion 408
Avoiding Immune Responses 409

17.10 Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Pathogenesis 410
Fungi 410
Protozoa and Helminths 410
FUTURE CHALLENGES:

A Glimpse of History 431
Key Terms 432

IMMUNIZATION
19.1

Principles of Immunization 432
Active Immunity 432

Passive Immunity 432

19.2

Vaccines and Immunization Procedures 433
Attenuated Vaccines 433
Inactivated Vaccines 435
An Example of Vaccination Strategy—The Campaign
to Eliminate Poliomyelitis 436
The Importance of Routine Immunizations for
Children 436
Current Progress in Immunization 437

The Potential of Probiotics 411

SUMMARY 411
REVIEW QUESTIONS 412

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Immunologic Disorders 414
A Glimpse of History 414
Key Terms 415

18.1

Type I Hypersensitivities: Immediate
IgE-Mediated 415
Localized Anaphylaxis 416
Generalized Anaphylaxis 417

Treatments to Prevent Allergic Reactions 417

xv

IMMUNOLOGICAL TESTING
19.3

Principles of Immunological Testing 439
Obtaining Antibodies 439
Quantifying Antigen-Antibody Reactions 439

18.2

Type II Hypersensitivities: Cytotoxic 418
Transfusion Reactions 418
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn 418

19.4

Observing Antigen-Antibody Aggregations 441
Precipitation Reactions 441
Agglutination Reactions 443

18.3

Type III Hypersensitivities: Immune
Complex—Mediated 420

19.5

18.4

Type IV Hypersensitivities: Delayed
Cell–Mediated 421
Tuberculin Skin Test 421
Delayed Hypersensitivity in Infectious Diseases 422
Contact Hypersensitivities 422

Using Labeled Antibodies to Detect Antigen-Antibody
Interactions 444
Fluorescent Antibody (FA) Tests 444
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) 445
Western Blotting 446
Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) 447

18.5

Rejection of Transplanted Tissues 423

18.6

Autoimmune Diseases 424
The Spectrum of Autoimmune Reactions 425
Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases 425

18.7

Immunodeficiency Disorders 426
Primary Immunodeficiencies 426
Secondary Immunodeficiencies 427

PERSPECTIVE 18.1:

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Global Immunization 447
SUMMARY 447
REVIEW QUESTIONS 448

CHAPTER TWENTY

Epidemiology 450
A Glimpse of History 450
Key Terms 451

The Fetus As an Allograft 423

FUTURE CHALLENGES:

New Approaches to Correcting Immunologic

Disorders 428

SUMMARY 428
REVIEW QUESTIONS 429

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PERSPECTIVE 19.1: Monoclonal Antibodies 440

20.1

Principles of Epidemiology 451
Rate of Disease in a Population 451
Reservoirs of Infection 453
Portals of Exit 454

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xvi

CONTENTS

Transmission 454
Portals of Entry 455
Factors That Influence the Epidemiology
of Disease 455
20.2

Epidemiological Studies 457
Descriptive Studies 457
Analytical Studies 458
Experimental Studies 458

20.3

Infectious Disease Surveillance 459
National Disease Surveillance Network 459
Worldwide Disease Surveillance 460

20.4

Trends in Disease 460
Reduction and Eradication of Disease 460
Emerging Diseases 461

20.5

Healthcare-Associated Infections 462
Reservoirs of Infectious Agents in Healthcare
Settings 462
Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare
Settings 464
Preventing Healthcare-Associated
Infections 464

21.3

Mechanisms of Action of Antibacterial
Drugs 473
Antibacterial Medications That Inhibit Cell Wall
Synthesis 475
Antibacterial Medications That Inhibit Protein
Synthesis 477
Antibacterial Medications That Inhibit Nucleic Acid
Synthesis 478
Antibacterial Medications That Inhibit Metabolic
Pathways 478
Antibacterial Medications That Interfere with Cell
Membrane Integrity 479
Antibacterial Medications That Interfere

with Processes Essential to Mycobacterium
tuberculosis 479

21.4

Determining the Susceptibility of a Bacterial Strain
to an Antimicrobial Drug 480
Determining the Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal
Concentrations 480
Conventional Disc Diffusion Method 481
Commercial Modifications of Antimicrobial
Susceptibility Testing 482

21.5

Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs 483
Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance 483
Acquisition of Resistance 484
Examples of Emerging Antimicrobial
Resistance 484
Slowing the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial
Resistance 485

21.6

Mechanisms of Action of Antiviral
Drugs 486
Entry Inhibitors 486
Viral Uncoating 486
Nucleic Acid Synthesis 487

Integrase Inhibitors 488
Assembly and Release of Viral Particles 488

21.7

Mechanisms of Action of Antifungal
Drugs 488
Plasma Membrane Synthesis
and Function 488
Cell Wall Synthesis 489
Cell Division 489
Nucleic Acid Synthesis 489

21.8

Mechanisms of Action of Antiprotozoan and
Antihelminthic Drugs 490

PERSPECTIVE 20.1: Standard Precautions—Protecting Patients and
Healthcare Personnel 465

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Maintaining Vigilance Against
Bioterrorism 466

SUMMARY 466
REVIEW QUESTIONS 467

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Antimicrobial Medications 469

A Glimpse of History 469
Key Terms 470

21.1

History and Development of Antimicrobial
Drugs 469
Discovery of Antimicrobial Drugs 469
Discovery of Antibiotics 470
Development of New Generations of Drugs 470

21.2

Features of Antimicrobial Drugs 471
Selective Toxicity 471
Antimicrobial Action 471
Spectrum of Activity 471
Effects of Combinations of Antimicrobial
Drugs 472
Tissue Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion
of the Drug 472
Adverse Effects 472
Resistance to Antimicrobials 472

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PERSPECTIVE 21.1: Measuring the Concentration of an Antimicrobial
Drug in Blood or Other Body Fluids 481

FUTURE CHALLENGES: War with the Superbugs 491

SUMMARY 491
REVIEW QUESTIONS 493

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CONTENTS

xvii

FUTURE CHALLENGES: Global Preparedness vs. Emerging
Respiratory Viruses 528

SUMMARY 528
REVIEW QUESTIONS 529

PART IV
INFECTIOUS DISEASES

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Skin Infections 531
A Glimpse of History 531
Key Terms 532

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Respiratory System Infections 495
A Glimpse of History 495

23.1

Anatomy and Physiology 531

23.2

Normal Microbiota of the Skin 533
Diphtheroids 533
Staphylococci 534
Fungi 534

23.3

Bacterial Skin Diseases 535
Hair Follicle Infections 535
Scalded Skin Syndrome 537
Streptococcal Impetigo 538
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 540
Lyme Disease 542

23.4

Skin Diseases Caused by Viruses 545
Chickenpox (Varicella) 545
Measles (Rubeola) 547
German Measles (Rubella) 549
Other Viral Rashes of Childhood 552
Warts 552

23.5

Skin Diseases Caused by Fungi 554
Superficial Cutaneous Mycoses 554

Key Terms 496

22.1
22.2

Anatomy and Physiology 495
The Mucociliary Escalator 498
Normal Microbiota 498

INFECTIONS OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
22.3

22.4

Bacterial Infections of the Upper Respiratory
System 499
Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis) 499
Diphtheria 502
Pinkeye, Earache, and Sinus Infections 504
Viral Infections of the Upper Respiratory System 507
The Common Cold 507
Adenoviral Pharyngitis 508

INFECTIONS OF THE LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
22.5

22.6

22.7

Bacterial Infections of the Lower Respiratory
System 509
Pneumococcal Pneumonia 509
Klebsiella Pneumonia 511
Mycoplasmal Pneumonia 511
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) 513
Tuberculosis 514
Legionnaires’ Disease 517

CASE PRESENTATION 551
PERSPECTIVE 23.1: The Ghost of Smallpox, An Evil Shade 554
FUTURE CHALLENGES: The Ecology of Lyme Disease 556
SUMMARY 556
REVIEW QUESTIONS 557

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Wound Infections 559

Viral Infections of the Lower Respiratory
System 519
Influenza 519
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections 521
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome 522

24.1

Fungal Infections of the Lung 525
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) 525
Spelunkers’ Disease (Histoplasmosis) 526

Anatomy and Physiology 560
Wound Abscesses 560
Anaerobic Wounds 561

24.2

Common Bacterial Wound Infections 562
Staphylococcal Wound Infections 562
Group A Streptococcal “Flesh Eaters” 563
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections 564

PERSPECTIVE 22.1: Terror by Mail: Inhalation Anthrax 512
PERSPECTIVE 22.2: What to Do About Bird Flu 524

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A Glimpse of History 559
Key Terms 560

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xviii

24.3

24.4

24.5

CONTENTS

Diseases Due to Anaerobic Bacterial Wound
Infections 566
“Lockjaw“ (Tetanus) 566
Gas Gangrene (Clostridial Myonecrosis) 568
“Lumpy Jaw“ (Actinomycosis) 570
Bacterial Bite Wound Infections 572
Pasteurella multocida Bite Wound Infections 572
Cat Scratch Disease 572
Streptobacillary Rat Bite Fever 574
Human Bites 574

LOWER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM INFECTIONS
25.5

Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Digestive
System 595
Cholera 596
Shigellosis 598
Escherichia coli Gastroenteritis 599
Salmonellosis 601
Campylobacteriosis 602

25.6

Viral Diseases of the Lower Digestive System 604
Rotaviral Gastroenteritis 604
Norovirus Gastroenteritis 604
Hepatitis A 605
Hepatitis B 606
Hepatitis C 608

25.7

Protozoan Diseases of the Lower Digestive
System 609
Giardiasis 609
Cryptosporidiosis 610
Cyclosporiasis 612
Amebiasis 612

Fungal Wound Infections 576
“Rose Gardener’s Disease“ (Sporotrichosis) 576

CASE PRESENTATION 573
PERSPECTIVE 24.1: Infection Caused by a Human “Bite“ 575
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Staying Ahead in the Race with
Staphylococcus aureus 578

SUMMARY 578
REVIEW QUESTIONS 579

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Digestive System Infections 581
A Glimpse of History 581

CASE PRESENTATION 591
PERSPECTIVE 25.1: Ecology of Cholera 597
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Defeating Diarrhea
SUMMARY 614
REVIEW QUESTIONS 616

Key Terms 582

25.1

25.2

Anatomy and Physiology 582
The Mouth 582
Salivary Glands 582
The Esophagus 583
The Stomach 584
The Small Intestine 584
The Pancreas 584
The Liver 584
The Large Intestine 585
Normal Microbiota 585
The Mouth 585
The Intestines 585

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Genitourinary Infections 618
A Glimpse of History 618
Key Terms 619

26.1

Anatomy and Physiology 619
The Urinary System 619
The Genital System 620

26.2

Normal Microbiota of the Genitourinary System 620

26.3

Urinary System Infections 621
Bacterial Cystitis 621
Leptospirosis 622

26.4

Genital System Diseases 625
Bacterial Vaginosis 625
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis 625
Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome 626

26.5

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Scope of the

Problem 628

26.6

Bacterial STDs 629
Gonorrhea 629

UPPER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM INFECTIONS
25.3

Bacterial Diseases of the Upper Digestive System 586
Tooth Decay (Dental Caries) 586
Periodontal Disease 588
Trench Mouth 588
Helicobacter pylori Gastritis 589

25.4

Viral Diseases of the Upper Digestive
System 592
Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores or Fever Blisters) 592
Mumps 593

nes95432_fm_i-xxxviii.indd xviii

614

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CONTENTS

Chlamydial Genital System Infections 631
Syphilis 633
Chancroid 636
26.7

26.8

Viral STDs 638
Genital Herpes Simplex 638
Papillomavirus STDs: Genital Warts and Cervical
Cancer 639
AIDS 640

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Blood and Lymphatic Infections 674
A Glimpse of History 674
Key Terms 675

28.1

Anatomy and Physiology 675
The Heart 675
Arteries 676
Veins 676
Lymphatics (Lymphatic Vessels) 676
Spleen 677

28.2

Bacterial Diseases of the Blood Vascular System 677
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis 677
Gram-Negative Septicemia 678

28.3

Bacterial Diseases of the Lymph Nodes and Spleen 680
“Rabbit Fever” (Tularemia) 680
“Undulant Fever” (Brucellosis, “Bang’s Disease”) 681
“Black Death” (Plague) 682

28.4

Viral Diseases of the Lymphoid and Blood Vascular
Systems 686
“Kissing Disease” (Infectious Mononucleosis,
“Mono”) 686
Yellow Fever 688

28.5

Protozoan Diseases 690
Malaria 691

Protozoal STDs 642
“Trich” (Trichomoniasis) 642

CASE PRESENTATION 623

PERSPECTIVE 26.1: The Demise of Syphilis? 634
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Getting Control of Sexually Transmitted
Diseases 643

SUMMARY 644
REVIEW QUESTIONS 645

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Nervous System Infections 647
A Glimpse of History 647
Key Terms 648

27.1
27.2

27.3

Anatomy and Physiology 648
Pathways to the Central Nervous System 649
Bacterial Nervous System Infections 650
Meningococcal Meningitis 650
Listeriosis 653
Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) 655
Botulism 657

Fungal Diseases of the Nervous System 666
Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis 666

27.5

Protozoan Diseases of the Nervous System 667
African Sleeping Sickness 667

27.6

CASE PRESENTATION 688
PERSPECTIVE 28.1: Arteriosclerosis: The Infection Hypothesis 676
PERSPECTIVE 28.2: Walter Reed and Yellow Fever 690
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Rethinking Malaria Control 694

Viral Diseases of the Nervous System 658
Viral Meningitis 659
Viral Encephalitis 659
Infantile Paralysis, Polio (Poliomyelitis) 661
Rabies 663

27.4

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies 669
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy in
Humans 669

CASE PRESENTATION 651
PERSPECTIVE 27.1: A Rabies Survivor! 665
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Eradicate Polio: Then What? 670
SUMMARY 671
REVIEW QUESTIONS 672

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xix

SUMMARY 694
REVIEW QUESTIONS 695

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

HIV Disease and Complications
of Immunodeficiency 697
A Glimpse of History 697
Key Terms 698

29.1

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and
AIDS 698
HIV Disease 699
HIV Vaccine Prospects 709

29.2

Malignant Tumors That Complicate Acquired
Immunodeficiencies 710
Kaposi’s Sarcoma 710
B-Lymphocytic Tumors of the Brain 711
Cervical and Anal Carcinoma 711

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xx

29.3

CONTENTS

Infectious Complications of Acquired
Immunodeficiency 712
Pneumocystosis 712
Toxoplasmosis 713
Cytomegalovirus Disease 715
Mycobacterial Diseases 717

CASE PRESENTATION 707
PERSPECTIVE 29.1: Origin of AIDS-Causing Viruses
FUTURE CHALLENGES: AIDS and Poverty 718

30.5

Mutualistic Relationships between Microorganisms
and Eukaryotes 733
Mycorrhizae 733
Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixers and Plants 734
Microorganisms and Herbivores 735
SUMMARY 735
REVIEW QUESTIONS 736

705

SUMMARY 719
REVIEW QUESTIONS 720

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

Environmental Microbiology: Treatment of
Water, Wastes, and Polluted Habitats 738
A Glimpse of History 738
Key Terms 739

31.1

Microbiology of Wastewater Treatment 739
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 739
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Methods 739
Individual Wastewater Treatment Systems 744

PART V
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

31.2

Drinking Water Treatment and Testing 744
Water Treatment Processes 745
Water Testing 746

CHAPTER THIRTY

31.3

Microbiology of Solid Waste Treatment 747
Sanitary Landfills for Solid Waste Disposal 747
Municipal and Backyard Composting—Alternative
to Landfills 747

31.4

Microbiology of Bioremediation 749
Pollutants 749
Means of Bioremediation 749

Microbial Ecology 721
A Glimpse of History 721
Key Terms 722

30.1

30.2

30.3

30.4

Principles of Microbial Ecology 722
Nutrient Acquisition 722
Bacteria in Low-Nutrient Environments 723
Microbial Competition and Antagonism 723
Microorganisms and Environmental Changes 723
Microbial Communities 724
Studying Microbial Ecology 724

PERSPECTIVE 31.1: Now They’re Cooking with Gas 743
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Better Identification of Pathogens in Water
and Wastes 750

SUMMARY 751
REVIEW QUESTIONS 751

Aquatic Habitats 725
Marine Environments 726
Freshwater Environments 726
Specialized Aquatic Environments 726
Terrestrial Habitats 727
Characteristics of Soil 727
Microorganisms in Soil 727
The Rhizosphere 728
Biogeochemical Cycling and Energy Flow 728
Carbon Cycle 728
Nitrogen Cycle 730
Sulfur Cycle 731
Phosphorus Cycle and Other Cycles 732
Energy Sources for Ecosystems 732

nes95432_fm_i-xxxviii.indd xx

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Food Microbiology 753
A Glimpse of History 753
Key Terms 754

32.1

Factors Influencing the Growth of Microorganisms
in Foods 754
Intrinsic Factors 755
Extrinsic Factors 755

32.2

Microorganisms in Food and Beverage
Production 756
Lactic Acid Fermentations by the Lactic Acid
Bacteria 756

8/27/08 1:39:35 PM


CONTENTS

32.3

32.4

32.5

xxi

Alcoholic Fermentations by Yeast 758
Changes Due to Mold Growth 761

APPENDIX I Microbial Mathematics A-1

Food Spoilage 762
Common Spoilage Bacteria 762
Common Spoilage Fungi 762

APPENDIX III Pronunciation Key for Bacterial, Fungal, Protozoan,
and Viral Names A-4

Foodborne Illness 762
Foodborne Intoxication 763
Foodborne Infection 764

APPENDIX V Answers to Multiple Choice Questions A-11

Food Preservation 765

APPENDIX II Microbial Terminology A-2

APPENDIX IV Metabolic Pathways A-7

GLOSSARY G-1
CREDITS C-1
INDEX I-1

PERSPECTIVE 32.1: Botox for Beauty and Pain Relief 764
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Using Microorganisms to Nourish
the World 766

SUMMARY 766
REVIEW QUESTIONS 767

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8/27/08 1:39:36 PM


Eugene Nester
Eugene (Gene) Nester performed his
undergraduate work at Cornell University and received his Ph.D. in
Microbiology from Case Western
University. He then pursued postdoctoral work in the Department of
Genetics at Stanford University with
Joshua Lederberg. Since 1962, Gene
has been a faculty member in the
Department of Microbiology at the
University of Washington. Gene’s
research has focused on gene transfer
systems in bacteria. His laboratory
demonstrated that Agrobacterium transfers DNA into plant cells, the basis
for the disease crown gall. He continues to study this unique system of
gene transfer which has become a cornerstone of plant biotechnology.
In 1990, Gene Nester was awarded the inaugural Australia Prize
along with an Australian and a German scientist for their work on Agrobacterium transformation of plants. In 1991, he was awarded the Cetus
Prize in Biotechnology by the American Society of Microbiology. He has
been elected to Fellowship in the National Academy of Sciences, the
American Academy for the Advancement of Science, the American
Academy of Microbiology, and the National Academy of Sciences in
India. Throughout his career, Gene has been actively involved with the

American Society for Microbiology in several leadership positions.
In addition to his research activities, Gene has taught an introductory
microbiology course for students in the allied health sciences for many
years. He wrote the original version of the present text, Microbiology:
Molecules, Microbes and Man, with C. Evans Roberts, Brian McCarthy,
and Nancy Pearsall more than 30 years ago because they felt no suitable
text was available for this group of students. The original text pioneered
the organ system approach to the study of infectious disease.
Gene enjoys traveling, museum hopping, and the study and collecting of Northwest Coast Indian Art. He and his wife, Martha, live on Lake
Washington with their labradoodle, Twana, and a well-used kayak. Their
two children and four grandchildren live in the Seattle area.

Denise Anderson
Denise Anderson is a Senior Lecturer
in the Department of Microbiology at
the University of Washington, where
she teaches a variety of courses
including general microbiology,
recombinant DNA techniques, medical bacteriology laboratory, and
medical mycology/parasitology laboratory. Equipped with a diverse educational background, including
undergraduate work in nutrition and
graduate work in food science and in
microbiology, she first discovered a
passion for teaching when she taught microbiology laboratory courses
as part of her graduate training. Her enthusiastic teaching style, fueled
by regular doses of Seattle’s famous caffeine, receives high reviews by
her students.
Outside of academic life, Denise relaxes in the Phinney Ridge
neighborhood of Seattle, where she lives with her husband, Richard
Moore, and dog, Dudley (neither of whom are well trained). When not

planning lectures, grading papers, or writing textbook chapters, she can
usually be found chatting with the neighbors, fighting the weeds in her
garden, or enjoying a fermented beverage at the local pub.

xxii

nes95432_fm_i-xxxviii.indd xxii

8/27/08 1:39:36 PM


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

C. Evans Roberts, Jr.
Evans Roberts was a mathematics
student at Haverford College when a
chance encounter landed him a summer job at the Marine Biological
Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. There, interactions with
leading scientists awakened an interest in biology and medicine. After
finishing his degree at Haverford, he
went on to get a M.D. degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, complete an
intership at University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry,
and a residency in medicine at University of Washington School of
Medicine where he also completed a fellowship in Infectious Diseases
under Dr. William M. M. Kirby, and a traineeship in Diagnostic Microbiology under Dr. John Sherris.
Subsequently, Dr. Roberts taught microbiology at University of
Washington, University of Oregon, and Chiang Mai University, in Chiagmai, Thailand, returning to University of Washington thereafter. He has
directed diagnostic medical microbiology laboratories, served on hospital
infection control committees, and taught infectious diseases to nurse

practitioners in a camp for Karen refugees in Northern Thailand. He has
had extensive experience in the practice of medicine as it relates to infectious diseases. He is certified both by the American Board of Microbiology and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Evans Roberts worked with Gene Nester in the early development of
Microbiology: A Human Perspective. His professional publications concern susceptibility testing as a guide to treatment of infectious diseases,
etiology of Whipple’s disease, group A streptococcal epidemiology, use of
fluorescent antibody in diagnosis, bacteriocin typing, antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea and tuberculosis, Japanese B encephalitis, and rabies.
For relaxation, he enjoys hiking, bird watching and traveling worldwide.

nes95432_fm_i-xxxviii.indd xxiii

xxiii

Martha Nester
Martha Nester received an undergraduate degree in biology from
Oberlin College and a Master’s degree in education from Stanford University. She has worked in university
research laboratories and has taught
elementary school. She currently
works in an environmental education
program at the Seattle Audubon Society. Martha has worked with her
husband, Gene, for more than 40
years on microbiology textbook projects, at first informally as an editor
and sounding board, and then as one
of the authors of Microbiology: A Human Perspective. Martha’s favorite
activities include spending time with their four grandchildren, all of
whom live in the Seattle area. She also enjoys playing the cello with a
number of musical groups in the Seattle area.

8/27/08 1:39:37 PM

T

his is an exciting yet challenging time to be teaching and
learning about microbiology. The need to provide accurate
and current information about the good and bad microbes
seems greater than ever. Almost every day a newspaper article describes illness arising from a contaminated food, the discovery of
microbes in an environment once considered impossible to sustain
life, the sequencing of another microbial genome, or the death of an
individual from a rare infectious disease. Anyone glancing at the
front page cannot help but realize the impact that microorganisms
have in our daily lives. The announcements of the many scientific
advances being made about the microbial world often bring with
them vehement arguments related to the science. Are plants that
contain genes of microorganisms safe to eat? Is it wise to put antimicrobial agents in soaps and animal feed? What agents of biological warfare might endanger the citizens of the world? Are we facing
another flu pandemic? This book presents what we believe are the
most important facts and concepts about the microbial world and
the important role its members play in our daily lives. With the information presented, students should be able to form reasoned
opinions and discuss intelligently their views on these questions.
An important consideration in revising this textbook is the
diverse interests among students who take an introductory microbiology course. As always, many students take microbiology as a
prerequisite for nursing, pharmacy, and dental programs. A suitable textbook must provide a solid foundation in health-related
aspects of microbiology, including coverage of medically important bacteria, antimicrobial medications, and immunization. An
increasing number of students take microbiology as a step in the
pursuit of other fields, including biotechnology, food science, and
ecology. For these students, topics such as recombinant DNA
technologies, fermentation processes, and microbial diversity are
essential. With the recent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses traced
to products that had been distributed widely, the subject of microbial identification becomes more relevant. Microbiology is also
popular as an elective for biology students, who are particularly
interested in topics that highlight the relevance of microorganisms

in the biological world. Because of the wide range of career goals
and interests of students, we have made a particular effort to maintain a broad scope, providing a balanced approach, yet retaining
our strength in medical microbiology.
Diversity in the student population is manifested not only in
the range of career goals, but also in educational backgrounds. For
some, microbiology may be their first college-level science
course; for others, microbiology builds on an already strong background in biology and chemistry. To address this broad range of
student backgrounds, we have incorporated numerous learning

aids that will facilitate review for some advanced students, and
will be a tremendous support to those who are seeing this material
for the first time.
Preparing a textbook that satisfies such a broad range of needs
and interests is a daunting task, but also extremely rewarding. We
hope you will find that the approach and structure of this edition
presents a modern and balanced view of microbiology in our
world, acknowledging the profound and essential impact that
microbes have on our lives today and their possible roles in our
lives tomorrow.

Features of the Sixth Edition
Completely updated and including the most current topics in
microbiology today, Microbiology: A Human Perspective, sixth edition, continues to be a classic. It has always been our goal to present
sound scientific content that students can understand and rely upon
for accuracy and currency, and thereby succeed in their preparation
for meaningful careers. We have used constructive comments from
numerous microbiology instructors and their students to continue to
enhance the robust features of this proven text.

Expert Approach to Writing

We, as a strong and diverse team of scientists and teachers, solidly
present the connection between microorganisms and humans.
Because of our individual specializations and our research and
educational backgrounds, we remain in the hub of the scientific
community and can provide accurate and modern coverage spanning the breadth of microbiology. More importantly, as teachers,
we constantly strive to present material that easily speaks to the
students reading it.
We recognize that a textbook, no matter how exciting the subject
matter, is not a novel. Few students will read the text from cover to
cover and few instructors will include all of the topics covered in their
course. We have used judicious redundancy to help present each major
topic as a complete unit. We have avoided the chatty, superficial style
of writing in favor of clarity and conciseness. The text is not “watered
down” but rather provides students the depth of coverage needed to
fully understand and appreciate the role of microorganisms in the biological sciences and human affairs.
“Without a doubt Microbiology: A Human Perspective is one of the most readable science texts I have ever
had the pleasure of reading. The text is not scary or
overly weighty in its approach to microbiology.”
(Robyn Senter, Lamar State College–Orange)

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