Quantitative Bacteriology

Students, residents, researchers, and surgeons will discover that this book is a compendium of knowledge regarding quantitative bacteriology. Beginning with the concept of the equilibrium between bacteria and the factors of host resistance as recognized historically, this book finishes with discussions regarding the practicality of tissue bacterial quantification in 1990. Various techniques for quantifying bacteria in tissue are discussed and critically evaluated. The role for qualitative species identification is emphasized. Specialists will find the place for quantitative bacteriology in general wound healing, general surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, thoracic surgery, and the management of burns. Also included is a section on statistics and validity of tissue sampling to help develop confidence levels. All of the chapters are interwoven to allow readers to determine the role of quantitative bacteriology in the armamentarium of a surgeon.