Prescot, Harlley and Kleein's 5th edition provides a balanced, comprehensive introduction to all major areas of microbiology. Because of this balance, Microbiology, 5/e is appropriate for students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health, as well as research, teaching, and industry. Biology and chemistry are prerequisites. The Fifth Edition has been updated extensively to reflect the latest discoveries in the field.This book is nicely done, all together. The flow of information is well organized, with great cross-references and detailed graphs and pictures to help understand important concepts. Also, several appendices, a glossary, serve as helpful resources. The material is presented in a tasteful manner, not reducing the book to a mere picture book. This book, written for undergraduate and graduate students, gives serious information and is very detailed.