Our immune system is a complex network of cells continually working against a barrage of attack from our environment to, quite literally, save our lives. But how do our bodies protect us from the bacteria, and other potentially life-threatening organisms, that surround us every day? Infection and Immunity, Second Edition explains how, in the lucid, accessible style for which John Playfair is well known. Together with Greg Bancroft, an expert in infectious diseases, Playfair describes the main causes of infection that our bodies have to battle against - from bacteria to viruses - and explains the intricate and fascinating way that our bodies respond to infection - from detection of these potentially dangerous organisms, to their ultimate elimination. With examples of infectious diseases from across the world, Infection and Immunity is perfect for biomedical science, bioscience and microbiology students who need to understand what causes infection, and how our immune systems respond. All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the companion web site.