What is new in this edition? Divided into two parts-(1) General Microbiology, Immunology and Hospital Infection Control and (II) Systemic Microbiology. Systemic Microbiology (Infectious Diseases)-eight sections, each comprises of a first chapter on clinical infective syndrome followed by several chapters covering detailed information about the etiological agents. Chapters on Clinical Infective Syndromes-represent the first chapter of every Systemic Microbiology section, covers various infective syndromes pertaining to that system in detail. Parasitology topics-have been updated as per the current need of Indian Medical Graduate and discussed under respective infective syndromes. Hospital Infection Control Section-thoroughly updated in various topics such as major HAI types, monitoring of antimicrobial stewardship, escalation vs de-escalation strategy, donning/doffing of PPE and transmission-based precautions. General Microbiology Section-meticulously restructured with the inclusion of general virology, general parasitology and general mycology chapters. General bacteriology is reorganized into a single chapter with several subchapters. Overview Chapters-incorporated in the General Microbiology section, which will help in better understanding of organisms when discussed under Systemic Microbiology. COVID-19 Chapter-has been revised and updated as per the current scenario. AETCOM Module-has been updated as per the CBME curriculum for second MBBS students. Recent Advances-updates made in laboratory diagnosis, treatment guidelines and vaccine prophylaxis of infectious diseases, of note tuberculosis and HIV. Epidemiology Updates Included on-recent outbreaks and geographical distribution with special emphasis on Indian epidemiology. References followed from the latest editions of Harrison, Mandell, Bailey & Scott, CDC and WHO websites and health care programme/guidelines such as ICMR, NCDC, NTEP, NACO, NVBDCP, Immunization and GPEI, etc. Inclusion of more tables, flowcharts, real images and schematic diagram-for better understanding. One weapon, two targets-MBBS exam and NExT entrance: Only textbook written in a National Exit Test (NExT)-oriented way so that the matter of textbook does not differ a lot from a PG entrance book (major deficiency with all other Indian UG textbooks). Most features of the previous editions are maintained. More content, less pageshandy look, saves students time. Concise, bulleted format and to-the-point text-easy to read during MBBS examination. Simple and lucid language makes the understanding easy. Separate boxes for summary of laboratory diagnosis and treatment-for quick review. Clinical case-based essay questions and MCQs incorporated at the end of each chapter.