Skin Bacteria and Their Role in Infection

In this symposium a group of prominent specialists seeks to bring up to date our knowledge in selected aspects of cutaneous microbiology. The difficulties inherent in turning such a series of independently prepared papers into a readable and useful book are readily apparent. Much of the material is repetitious, the quality of new research is uneven, many relevant topics are not covered, and several contributions could well have been omitted. The absence of discussion or editing leaves many contradictions and controversies unresolved. Reflecting current emphasis and interest, the subject matter deals mainly with staphylococcal disease. Most rewarding are several excellent review articles which form a comprehensive reference source. Noteworthy are "The Bacteriology of Normal Skin," by Kligman; "The Pathogenic Staphylococcus," by Elek; "The Inflammatory Response of Skin to Bacterial Invasion," by Cluff; "Colonization of the Newborn," by Hurst; and, perhaps most important, "Bacterial Interference," by Shinefield et al. Of the