Discusses bacteria and viruses.

"An exploration of the five main types of germs-bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and helminths-and the human immune system that protects us against them"--

"Books in Greenhaven Press's At Issue series focus a wide range of viewpoints onto a single controversial issue, providing in-depth discussions by leading advocates, a quick grounding in the issues, and a challenge to critical thinking skills."--

Establishes the importance of bacteria by giving examples of symbiotic relationships with both plants and animals and discussing the endosymbiotic hypothesis and the bacterial origins of the mitochondria and chloroplasts found in eukaryotic cells. Looks in detail at both eubacteria and archaebacteria and some of the unique habitats such as hot springs in which they exist. Concludes by examining some bacteria that act as human pathogens and others that are beneficial to humans.

A study of the single-celled disease-causing micro-organisms known as bacteria, discussing how they function, how they cause illness, and how we can protect ourselves against them.

"Microbes are everywhere! They live on and under the ground. They live in all kinds of water on Earth, even around the hottest deep-sea vents. They even live on and inside your body! Since the advent of powerful microscopes, scientists have been studying our world's smallest denizens. Many people get scared just hearing the words "bacteria," "fungus," and "virus" because of the diseases they cause. However, scientists have discovered many beneficial microbes that actually help support all life o

Tackling bacterial diseases requires rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics. But many countries lack the skills and experience needed. The Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam has developed a special camera which takes high resolution photos of bacteria samples. Doctors at the Vietnamese Hospital for Tropical Diseases are now able to send photos and discuss the cases with Dutch experts over a video link.

Erin Neal suddenly finds himself back on the international stage when a number of important Saudi oil resources are threatened by a mysterious new bacteria with a voracious appetite for oil.