For physicians treating geriatric patients, Yoshikawa and Norman (geriatric research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System) compile 31 chapters by geriatric physicians and infectious disease specialists from the US and Canada who discuss the complex diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in the elderly. They review the most common infections and diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative techniques, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, ocular infections, tuberculosis, sepsis, bacterial meningitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and prosthetic device infections. Other chapters address epidemiology, risk factors, assessment, nutrition, antimicrobial therapy, vaccinations, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections in diabetics, long-term care settings, and control programs in nursing homes. This edition has new chapters on herpes zoster, HIV/AIDS, SARS, and the West Nile virus. All chapters have been updated. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)