Historical introduction / Adam P. Fraise -- Types of antimicrobial agents / Suzanne L. Moore and David N. Payne -- Factors influencing the efficacy of antimicrobial agents / A. Denver Russell -- Biofilms and antimicrobial resistance / Peter Gilbert, Alexander H. Rickard and Andrew J. McBain -- Mechanisms of action of biocides / Peter A. Lambert -- Bacterial resistance, Intrinsic resistance of gram-negative bacteria / David J. Stickler -- Acquired resistance / Keith Poole -- Resistance of bacterial spores to chemical agents / Peter A. Lambert -- Mycobactericidal agents / Peter M. Hawkey -- Antifungal activity of disinfectants, Antifungal activity of biocides / Jean-Yves Maillard

-- Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of disinfectants / Gerald Reybrouck -- Sensitivity of protozoa to disinfectants, Acanthamoeba, contact lenses and disinfection / Neil A. Turner -- Intestinal protozoa and biocides / Jean-Yves Maillard -- Viricidal activity of biocides / Jean-Yves Maillard -- Transmissible degenerative encephalopathies: inactivation of the unconventional causal agents / David M. Taylor -- Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy / Ronald J. W. Lambert -- Sterilization, Heat sterilization / Grahame W. Gould -- Radiation sterilization / Peter A. Lambert -- Gaseous sterilization / Jean-Yves Dusseau, Patrick Duroselle and Jean Freney -- Filtration sterilization / Stephen P. Denyer and Norman A. Hodges --

New and emerging technologies / Grahame W. Gould -- Preservation of medicines and cosmetics / Sarah J. Hiom -- Reuse of single-use devices / Geoffrey W. Hanlon -- Sterility assurance: concepts, methods and problems / Rosamund M. Baird -- Special problems in hospital antisepsis / Manfred Rotter -- Decontamination of the environment and medical equipment in hospitals / Adam P. Fraise -- Treatment of laundry and clinical waste in hospitals / Christina R. Bradley -- Other health-related issues, Special issues in dentistry / Jeremy Bagg and Andrew Smith -- Veterinary practice / Anders Engvall and Susanna Sternberg -- Recreational and hydrotherapy pools / John V. Dadswell -- Good manufacturing practice / Elaine Underwood.