Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 7th edn.

W. B. Hugo and A. D. Russell, Eds Blackwell Science, Oxford, 1998. ISBN

0-632-04196-X. 39.50.

Hugo and Russell is one of the core textbooks for pharmacy

undergraduate education in the UK. The focus of the book is the
multifaceted area of overlap between the major sciences of
microbiology and pharmacy. The reader commences with pure
microbiology and progresses to its application in various aspects of
pharmaceutical practice. Although relatively concise (at 510 pages) the
coverage of the subject matter is comprehensive, and provides a
valuable reference source for pharmacists and microbiologists at
undergraduate level and beyond.

The sixth edition has both gained and lost one chapter, and has been
updated and revised significantly. The new chapter on vaccination and
immunization provides a useful link between those on the principles of
immunity and the production of immunological products. The three
main sections of the book are The Biology of Microorganisms ,
Antimicrobial Agents and Microbial Aspects of Pharmaceutical
Processing. Part 1 is fairly brief, but by necessity lays the foundations
for understanding the later sections. The first two chapters of Part 2
provide an excellent review of anti-infective agents, dealing with
antibiotics and their clinical use. I recollect a number of years ago as a
junior pharmacist pulling an early edition of this textbook off the shelf
and finding this section particularly enlightening. Another useful
chapter in Part 2 is that on chemical disinfectants, antiseptics and
preservatives. Although unlikely to be embarked upon with great
enthusiasm, it is of significant importance in the field of
pharmaceutical processing, and provides the appropriate level of
understanding for those involved in aseptic processing and quality
assurance. Part 3 contains some good basic pharmaceutical science
(such as the principles and practice of sterilization) and interesting
more advanced material, such as recombinant DNA technology
(fortunately with its own glossary). The only aspect I would have
wished to receive greater attention is that of the control of
contamination in aseptic processing, an aspect of pharmaceutical
practice that has developed significantly in recent years.

Overall, the book is well written, interesting and clear, with useful
tables and figures, and helpful further reading recommendations. It is
well indexed and has some useful cross-references to British
Standards. Hugo and Russell is undoubtedly a valuable resource for
junior pharmacists grasping an appreciation of microbiology,
microbiologists entering the pharmaceutical field, and (the main focus
for the first edition) undergraduate pharmacy students. In addition, it
provides much useful information for pharmacists and technical staff
entering into roles in pharmaceutical technology and quality
assurance. This latest edition will be of benefit to those individuals
working, training or teaching in the above fields, and will be a valuable
resource in many university, hospital and pharmaceutical industry
libraries.