A Rational Approach to Clinical Infectious Diseases. A Manual for House Officers and Other Non-Infectious Diseases Clinicians

1. General Approach to Infectious Diseases Evaluation
2. Interacting with the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
3. A Primer on Microbiology
4. General Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy
5. A Primer on Antimicrobials
6. Fever of Unknown Origin
7. Fever and Rash
8. Ear, Nose, Throat and Neck Infections
9. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
10. Select Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Infections
11. Urinary Tract Infections
12. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
13. Bone and Joint Infections
14. Diagnostic Approach to a Patient with Suspected Central Nervous System Infection
15. Vector-Borne Infections
16. Sepsis
17. Sexually Transmitted Infections
18. HIV Infection
19. Bacteremia

Written specifically for non-infectious disease specialists in both inpatient and outpatient settings, A Rational Approach to Clinical Infectious Diseases provides concise, practical guidance that mimics the decision-making process and reasoning employed by an ID physician. Using clear, understandable language, Dr. Zelalem Temesgen and his esteemed colleagues at the Mayo Clinic present the art and the context of infectious diseases together with the science, helping non-specialists apply a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious conditions.

• Clearly explains the rationale of opting for one particular treatment or length of course over another in order to arrange appropriate management and follow-up. 
• Provides focused ID decision support to questions such as: 

• What diagnostic test should I order? 

• What is the correct antibiotic for this patient/geographical region? 

• Are IV or oral antibiotics most appropriate? 

• How long should the antibiotic course be and when should it be de-escalated? 

• What special considerations should be taken in immunocompromised patients? 

• How often should complex infections be followed up? 

• Uses a succinct, easy-to-read writing style, following a consistent format: Important characteristics/epidemiology; Clinical related data; Rash characteristics; Ancillary diagnostic studies; Treatment; and Other. 

• Provides visual and quick-reference support with dozens of figures and tables throughout the text. 

• Contains invaluable guidance to help non-specialists provide the best care for patients, stem antibiotic misuse and resistance, avoid adverse drug events, and avoid unnecessary costs.