Introduction

Abstract

This volume provides current information on mycotic diseases as well as on infections with certain bacteria classified in the order Actinomycetales. The latter have been included because frequently the diseases caused by these “higher” forms of eubacteria are similar to and must be differentiated from mycotic infections. The major portion of the text, however, is devoted to fungal diseases. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in mycotic diseases because of our increased ability to diagnose these diseases and, more importantly, because of an upsurge in the incidence of life-threatening mycoses. It is expected that the information covered in this volume will be useful to a broad range of individuals, including medical and graduate students studying infectious diseases, practicing physicians, and research scientists.