This book is an overview of the clinical approach to the use of anti-infective agents. A brief description of the drugs used to treat infections is followed by an analysis of approaches to diseases caused by different organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). The final section consists of a series of cases in which the authors outline the rationale for the use of each drug in a clinical setting. A set of appendices provide dosing recommendations for oral and parenteral administration as well as a list of drug interactions for commonly used anti-infective drugs. For students of pharmacology and medical students, the illustrative cases describing how to approach patients, as well as organisms, are included along with a brief discussion of clinical approaches to making a diagnosis and treating a patient with an infection. The book is intended as an introduction for pharmacy students interested in applying their knowledge of drugs to patients, and for nurse practitioners, medical students, residents, and practicing physicians, who need to understand the basic principles of treating patients with infections.