Sherris Medical Microbiology: An Introduction to Infectious Diseases, 4th Edition Doody's Expert Review Review Questionnaire ISBN: 9780838585290 ISBN-10: 0838585299 Copyright: 2004 Edition: 4th Editors: Ryan, Kenneth J., Ray, C. George, Doody's Expert Review    Score: 83 Doody's Star Rating™ and Doody's Expert Review provide by Doody Enterprises, Inc. Reviewer: Rudolf Kotula,  MD  (South Denver Infectious Diseases Associates) Description This is an updated edition of a textbook that is an interesting combination of information about medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Purpose The book is intended for medical students and students of medical sciences to be able to recognize the important features of these two fields. These are certainly worthy objectives and the book, indeed, meets them. Audience According to the author, the book is written for students of medical sciences. I would certainly agree with the author. Undoubtedly, the author is a credible authority in his field. Features The first 58 chapters summarize the epidemiology, pathogenesis, manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention (if indicated) of the major bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic disease entities. The remaining 14 chapters cover infectious diseases. I like the way important points are emphasized in red script at the edges of each page. The book is very user-friendly with its icons of organism, disease, and clinical aspects. The book may be less detailed in the arena of infectious diseases. Assessment This is a very useful resource for students of basic medical science to use to help in synthesizing material with clinical information. The basic knowledge of bacteria, viruses, etc., should stimulate the intellectual curiosity of students to apply their knowledge in the clinical arena. The updated edition is certainly justified. Review Questionnaire Range Question Score 1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 8 1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 8 1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5 1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 4 1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 4 1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5 1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 5 1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 3 1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 4 1-5 Are there sufficient references? 1 1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 4 1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 4 1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10 1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? 8 ©2010 Doody Enterprises, Inc.