ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview and the historical perspectives on the contribution of Microbiology laboratory to the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Since microbiological work up of any infectious disease is as significant and necessary as clinical work up, a working knowledge of testing methods and interpretation of results is needed for optimal patient care. The detailed and cumbersome nature of microbiology textbooks and highly technical nature of laboratory manuals renders difficult for use in the practice of infectious diseases. The eleven chapters in this book are composed with the goal of providing reader friendly information that can help bridge the gap between the bench and the bedside.
