Filled with illustrations, practice questions, and case studies, this definitive guide brings you fully up to date on important concepts and issues, including outbreak management 

A Doody's Core Title for 2026!

Since 1954, students, instructors, and clinicians have hailed Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology as the single-best resource for understanding the roles microorganisms play in human health and illness. It is packed with 650+ questions and detailed answers, 350+ illustrations, and 21 case studies.

Concise and fully up to date, this trusted classic links fundamental principles with the diagnosis and treatment of microbial infections. Along with brief descriptions of each organism, you’ll find vital perspectives on pathogenesis, diagnostic laboratory tests, clinical findings, treatment, and epidemiology.  

Here’s why Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology is essential for USMLE® review: 
 
•   Updated: Chapter on Coronavirus has been significantly updated with new info on COVID-19  
 
•   New: Updated bacteriology and mycology images  

•   New: Expanded coverage of outbreak management, including new content on the principles of infectious disease epidemiology 

•   New: Pared down content in specific areas to place greater emphasis on what today’s student needs to master 

•   640+ USMLE-style review questions 

•   350+ informative tables and illustrations 

•   21 case studies to sharpen your differential diagnosis and management skills 

•   An easy-to-access list of medically important microorganisms  

•   Coverage that reflects the latest techniques in laboratory and diagnostic technologies 

•   Full-color images and micrographs 

•   Chapter-ending summaries 

•   Chapter concept check 
 
Written, designed, and formatted with visual learners in mind, this core textbook in medical basic science delivers high-yield text discussion and high-quality illustrations in a Q&A format that appeals to today’s students.