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those who deal with infectious diseases on a daily This two volume work stems from the belief of the Editors that infectious diseases are not only very basis. much with us today but, more importantly, that they There are several excellent textbooks dealing will continue to playa significant global role in mor- with medical microbiology, and there are equally well-recognized books devoted to infectious dis- bidity and mortality in all people. A continuing need for an informed and knowledgeable community of eases. The Editors of this work, on the other hand, laboratory scientists is fundamental. Data describing were persuaded that there was a need for a publica- the global impact of infectious diseases are difficult tion that would bring together the most pertinent and to come by. Fortunately, a recent thoughtful and relevant information on the principles and practice of provocative publication by Bennett et al. (1987) pro- the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases and vides us with data derived from several consultants include clinical relationships. While this two volume that clearly delineate the impact of infectious dis- text is directed toward the role of the laboratory in eases on the United States today.