Reviews
Mycol.Res. 106 (4): 507-511 (April 2002).
This has to be the single reference book for every medical mycologist. The first edition appeared in 1995 and ran to `only' 720 pages. The double-page per species format is retained, most being occupied by a combination of line drawings and photomicrographs, often taken with interference contrast, and also scanning electron micrographs. The information given on each species has been extended by information on pathogenicty, further literature references, Biosafety Level classifications, antifungal susceptibility data, molecular data including trees and where available rDNA SSU restriction maps, and physiological profiles for filamentous fungi as well as yeasts. Full bibliographic nomenclatural references to both accepted names and cited synonyms are also added, and more importantly more species are included, especially yeasts and opportunists, making a total of about 400. Also new is an index of doubtful names and unconfirmed clinical cases. The list of references cited has almost doubled, and the index to scientific names now has a staggering 3400 plus fungal names - listed by epithet as well as by generic name which greatly facilitates retrieval.
There are no other medical mycplogical identification manuals in its class - and it is such a reasonable price - a consequence of it not being published through a commercial publisher but by a scientific institute that sees such works as a service and not a source of income (as used to be the case with the International Mycological Institute). Indeed, so many fungi are included and so beautifully illustrated, and the work is so modestly priced, that it merits purchase by all dealing with fungi in culture, especially those managing culture collections or working with soil fungi. If you are in these categories, even if not primarily a medical mycologist, make sure there is a copy to hand in your laboratory.
F.C. Odds in ISHAM Mycoses Newsletter 76, Oct. 2001:
This massive undertaking is undoubtedly one of the most
significant works ever published in the medical mycology
field. It will serve as an invaluable 'bible' for anybody
who works with fungal pathogens of man and animals.
(...)
Its four authors have compiled what amounts to a printed
and bound database that includes almost twice as many fungus
descriptions as before. Each genus is now listed alphabetically
within its division (and each species is listed alphabetically
within its genus). Anamorphs such as Blastomyces dermatitidis
and Histoplasma capsulatum enjoy the luxury of detailed descriptions
separate from their teleomorphs, reflecting the fact that
for many fungal pathogens the teleomorphic states are never
seen in clinical laboratories.
The descriptions of fungi now include not only the same top-quality
morphological accounts as before, but also restriction maps
based on small subunit rDNA or internal transcribed DNA spacer
regions. The number of species for which this molecular diagnostic
information is included is stunningly large. I was honestly
amazed to see the huge number of relatively obscure species
(in the clinical context) for which DNA taxonomic material
has now been obtained.
The information included on many if not most species goes
beyond diagnostic descriptions to include susceptibility
data for commonly used antifungal agents. Most of the minimal
inhibitory concentrations have been gleaned from published
sources; some of them are from the authors' own laboratories.
To find MICs of antifungal agents listed even for rarely
encountered fungi such as Phaeosclera dematioídes
and Chaetomium globosum is a genuine treat. However poor
the correlation may be between MICs and clinical treatment
outcomes, the data provide at least an indication of possible
antifungal choices for clinicians confronted with an infection
due to a seldom-encountered species. The susceptibility data
and the restriction maps alone make the Atlas stand head
and shoulders above competing reference texts for fungal
identification. The splendidly concise but effective introductory
chapters on fungal taxonomy, ecology, identification and
infectious processes virtually provide the reader of the
Atlas with an up-to-date medical mycology textbook in addition
to the marvellous reference descriptions. The index comprehensively
cross-references all citations even of long-abandoned genus
and species names.
(...)
No professional in the world of pathogenic fungi can afford to be without this superb, very reasonably priced book
