A Textbook of Basic and Applied Microbiology intends to provide up-to-date and concise information on basic and applied aspects of microbiology in a well-illustrated and simple language. The orientation of this textbook is presented in an understandable manner to the readers of diverse backgrounds. The book is divided into three sections: Basic, Applied and Medical Microbiology. The Basic Microbiology section covers chapters on fundamental aspects of microbiology such as historical milestones in microbiology, microbial taxonomy, structure, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and physical and chemical control of microorganisms including principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The Applied Microbiology section lays emphasis on the diverse applications of microorganisms in industry, health, environment and agriculture and includes chapters on soil, air and water microbiology, food and environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology and biotechnology and a fascinating field of exobiology highlighting discovery of microbes in outer space.

The Medical Microbiology section includes important chapters on fundamentals of immunology and microbial pathogenesis, various infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites in humans which include mycoses, skin, eye and ear diseases, oral and dental diseases, upper and lower respiratory tract diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, urogenital and sexually transmitted diseases, systemic and nervous system diseases and a chapter on diagnostic microbiology which deals with the techniques used by a clinical microbiologist to isolate and identify the pathogenic microorganism in a clinical specimen.

This endeavor would be useful for the graduate and postgraduate students, teachers and researchers in various disciplines including the biological sciences, biotechnology, engineering, pharmacy, nursing and medical sciences, agriculture, foods and nutrition, environmental sciences and clinical microbiology laboratories. The primary objectives of this textbook are: to involve the reader in the relevance and excitement of microbiology, to help understand and appreciate the natural roles, structure and functions of microorganisms, to continue building up of knowledge and to facilitate the ability to supply the subject content and also to encourage skills that makes reader lifelong learner in the subject.