This new volume of the series Emerging Infections would more appropriately be called an update on infections of current interest as most of them are not novel. In general, the relevant epidemiology, including surveillance as well as diagnostic and preventive measures are reviewed. In most chapters, the literature of 2005 and parts of 2006 is covered. There are informative updates on a number of respiratory virus infections (also in transplant recipients), West Nile virus and Chandipura virus. Some novel human retroviruses have recently been discovered. One chapter reminds us of complications of vaccination with vaccinia virus. Among the bacterial infections, the community base for the emergence of MRSA strains and clinical management problems relating to infections with Klebsiella and Acinetobacter spp. are reviewed. The mycobacterial theory of the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is again raised for discussion.

The book is mainly of interest for clinical microbiologists and virologists, epidemiologists and public health physicians. Its price is on the high side.