The second fully revised and greatly expanded edition of the Atlas of Clinical Fungi appeared in 2000. The modest and very competitive price of this standard work has certainly contributed to the popularity of the first edition. In recent years the application of molecular biology has become within reach for many routine laboratories. The new Atlas will provide ample molecular data for the majority of clinically relevant fungi. It will set a standard for innovative techniques in medical mycology. In addition, antifungal susceptibility data will be given for most species, which will provide essential knowledge for the clinician in view of adequate therapy.

Early 2005 a CD-ROM-version of the Atlas of Clinical Fungi for use at your own computer has become available. It is based on the 2nd edition of the book published in 2000, and will allow fast and very comfortable search through the entire Atlas text. Items are strongly linked enabling direct use of the CD as a benchtool for identification and comparison. Text boxes with concise definitions appear explaining all terminology while reading. Illustrations are of highest quality and viewers are provided for detailed observation. The search engine is fully equipped for simple and advanced search. The Atlas is interactive in allowing personal annotation wich will be maintained when later versions will be downloaded. The electonic version of the Atlas enable regular updating at a relatively modest price.

The electronic version has been developed by T. Weniger at the Institute of Computer Sciences II at Würzburg, Germany (head: Prof. Dr. J. Albert). Future features will include links to extended databases with verified molecular information. Regular electronic updates of the Atlas are planned, which should include all new clinically relevant fungal species, numerous case reports, as well as full data on antifungals.