Microbiology is a comprehensive textbook that facilitates a thorough understanding of the scope, nature, and complexity of the science of microscopic organisms. It gives a balanced presentation of foundational concepts, real-world applications, and current research and experimentation. The text approaches the subject within the context of exploration and experimentation, integrating a wealth of classroom-tested pedagogical features. The material is organized around the three pillars of physiology, ecology, and genetics -- helping students appreciate the interconnected and dynamic nature of microbiology and explore the relationship between different types of microbes, other organisms, and the environment. This international adaptation contains up-to-date coverage of topics including DNA replication and gene expression, viral pathogenesis, microbial biotechnology, adaptive immunity, the control of infectious diseases, and the microbiology of food and water. It also offers integrated coverage of SARS-CoV-2 and the impacts of COVID-19, relating it to the importance of an interdisciplinary response to a global pandemic. It also focuses on strengthening the organization of the content and updating the end of chapter problems