This text is an essential study guide for undergraduates studying microbiology modules on degree courses in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences. Written by two pharmacists each with over 30 years experience of teaching, research and publishing in pharmaceutical microbiology, it distills the subject down into the essential elements that pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists need to know in order to practice their profession, and it covers all the microbiology components of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's indicative syllabus that is at the heart of every UK pharmacy degree.

Much of the applied microbiology that a pharmacist or pharmaceutical scientist needs to know is unique: topics like the manufacture of microbiologically sterile medicines and their subsequent protection against microbial contamination and spoilage, the detection of hazardous microorganisms in medicines and antibiotics' manufacture and assay are all covered here. Essential Microbiology for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Students displays material in an easy to-digest format and concepts are explained using diagrams, tables and pictures wherever possible. The book contains an extensive self-assessment section that includes typical multiple choice, short answer and essay-style examination questions, and a companion website to further test your knowledge from a selection of questions along with further links to relevant sites.

Preface vii

Part I Characteristics of microorganisms

Chapter 1 The microbial world 3

Chapter 2 Handling and growing microorganisms 11

Chapter 3 Bacterial structure and function 21

Chapter 4 Mycology: the study of fungi 33

Chapter 5 Protozoa 43

Chapter 6 Viruses and viral infections 49

Chapter 7 Characteristics of other microorganisms and infectious agents 57

Part II Microorganisms and the treatment of infections

Chapter 8 Infection and immunity 65

Chapter 9 The selection and use of antibiotics 79

Chapter 10 Antibacterial antibiotics 87

Chapter 11 Antifungal agents 95

Chapter 12 Antiviral agents 103

Chapter 13 Antibiotic resistance 117

Chapter 14 Antibiotic stewardship 127

Part III Microorganisms and the manufacture of medicines

Chapter 15 Bioburdens: counting, detecting and identifying microorganisms 137

Chapter 16 Antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives 149

Chapter 17 The manufacture of medicines: product contamination and preservation 161

Chapter 18 The design of sterilization processes 175

Chapter 19 Sterilization methods 183

Chapter 20 The use of microorganisms in the manufacture of medicines 197

Index 209