Designed as both a textbook and reference, "Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Principles and Practices" outlines the principles, methods, and applications of this exciting new discipline of public health. Techniques utilized in the field of molecular biology have been recognized as critical tools in solving infectious disease problems. This introductory volume, distinguishing molecular epidemiology from taxonomy and phylogeny, will familiarize epidemiologists with molecular biology and molecular biologists with epidemiology and will present vocabulary and concepts of both fields to infectious disease clinicians. "Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases" provides a state-of-the-art review of molecular epidemiology, using real-world examples that clearly illustrate basic concepts. While emphasis is placed on bacterial infectious diseases as the discussion model, ideas presented are generally applicable to other categories of infectious diseases. The glossary of terms propagates the language of molecular epidemiology and will foster improved communication and idea exchange among epidemiologists, microbiologists,and clinicians. Also provided are useful website addresses to allow for further investigation of the principles outlined in the book. "Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Principles and Practices" is a single source of valuable information, preparing health researchers, practitioners, and students to address globally and locally the problems associated with infectious diseases. Key Features: the first introductory textbook in the exciting new field of molecular epidemiology; features a glossary of standard terminology bridging the fields of epidemiology and molecular biology; provides background on principles and practices of epidemiology which solve infectious disease challenges using new molecular biology tools; illustrates various principles of epidemiology with specific examples of investigations of bacterial infectious diseases; and, written in a way that can be understood by clinicians, epidemiologists, and molecular biologists alike.