As literature in the field of infectious diseases has increased in complexity and volume, a need has become evident for timely, concise summaries and critical commentaries on subjects pertinent to the student and practitioner of medicine, the specialist in infectious diseases, and those in allied fields. This text addresses fifteen of the most important and timely issues in infectious disease in concise, practical, and carefully edited chapters. In doing so, it provides a true update of the information in very specific areas of infectious diseases that require reevaluation.