Using the Biological Literature, 4th Edition

151

CHAPTER 8

Microbiology and Immunology

This chapter includes reference sources useful for microbiology and immunol-

ogy. Microbiology is “the scientic study of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses

and fungi).” For purposes of this discussion, however, fungi such as yeasts are

included with plant biology in Chapter 10, Plant Biology. Immunology is thestudy

of immunity, “the state of relative insusceptibility of an animal to infection by

disease-producing organisms” (Oxford Dictionary of Biology, 4th ed., 2000). Because

microbial systems are convenient and effective for studying a whole range of life

processes, there is a signicant overlap between this chapter and Chapters 5–7, cov-

ering biochemistry and biophysics, molecular and cell biology, and genetics, respec-

tively. Although medical microbiology and immunology are not comprehensively

discussed in this chapter, some basic materials are included that pertain to the study

of pathogenic microbiology and diagnostic immunology.

ABSTRACTS AND INDEXES

Abstracting and indexing serials are annotated in Chapter 4, and general sources

useful for both microbiologists and immunologists are annotated in Chapter 3.

Basically, the three great abstracting/indexing serials for microbiology and immu-

nology are Biological Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts, and PubMed.

Current Advances in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. v. 9–, 1992–. Amsterdam,

Netherlands: Elsevier. Monthly. $232.00. ISSN 0964-8747.

A current-awareness service with citations arranged in subject classication; also

contains a comprehensive listing of review articles. Formerly: Current Advances

in Immunology. Available in print and online as part of Current Awareness in

Biological Sciences (see Chapter 4).

Immunology Abstracts. v. 1–, 1976–. Bethesda, MD: Cambridge Scientic Abstracts.

Monthly. Price varies. ISSN 0307-112X.

Covers studies in humans and animals, including molecular immunology, tumor

immunology, histocompatability, and disorders of the immune system. See Virology

and AIDS Abstracts (below) for more extensive coverage of AIDS. Available online

as part of the Biological Sciences database (see Chapter 4). Also available as a sepa-

rate database.

152 USING THE BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE

Microbiology Abstracts Section B: Bacteriology. v. 1–, 1972–. Bethesda, MD:

Cambridge Scientic Abstracts. Monthly. Price varies. ISSN 0300-8398.

This abstracting journal covers all areas of bacteriology, including taxonomy,

genetics, medical and veterinary bacteriology, antimicrobials, and others. Has a

medical emphasis. Available online as part of the Biological Sciences database

(see Chapter 4). Also available as a separate database, Bacteriology Abstracts

(Microbiology B).

Microbiology Abstracts. Section C, Algology, Mycology and Protozoology. v. 1–,

1972–. Bethesda, MD: Cambridge Scientic Abstracts. Monthly. Price varies.

ISSN 0301-2328.

Covers all aspects of the study of algae, fungi, protozoa, and lichens. Available

online as part of the Biological Sciences database (see Chapter 4). Also avail-

able as a separate database, Algology Mycology and Protozoology Abstracts

(Microbiology C).

Virology and AIDS Abstracts. v. 21–, 1988–. Bethesda, MD: Cambridge Scientic

Abstracts. Monthly. Price varies. ISSN 0896-5919.

Covers all aspects of virology, including studies on plants, animals, andhumans.

Also has comprehensive coverage of AIDS, including drug tests, transmission,

molecular aspects, and immunology. Available online as part of the Biological

Sciences database (see Chapter 4). Formerly: Virology Abstracts.

ASSOCIATIONS

American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). PO Box 1549, Manassas, VA 20108.

E-mail: [e-mail]. URL: http://www.atcc.org.

Founded 1925. 225 staff. A private organization seeking to collect, propagate,

preserve, and distribute authentic cultures of microorganisms and genetic materi-

als for reference purposes for use in educational, research, and other scientic and

industrial activities. Conducts research, maintains depository for cultures, aids in

processing and packaging biohazardous materials, and identies cultures. Web site

provides access to catalogs, news, and information about the ATCC.

American Academy of Microbiology (AAM). 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC

20036-2804. E-mail: [e-mail]. URL: http://academy.asm.org.

Founded 1955. 1500 members. Honoric leadership component of American

Society for Microbiology (see below) concerned with microscopic and submicro-

scopic organisms. Encourages exchange of information among members. Publishes

Academy News and Views. Web site provides links to Colloquium Reports, mem-

bership information, and more.

American Association of Immunologists (AAI). 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda,

MD 20814-3998. E-mail: [e-mail]. URL: http://www.aai.org.

Founded 1913. 5500 members. Scientists engaged in immunological research

including aspects of virology, bacteriology, biochemistry, genetics, and related dis-

ciplines. Goals are to advance knowledge of immunology and related disciplines

and to facilitate the interchange of information among investigators in various

elds. Promotes interaction between laboratory investigators and clinicians; con-

ducts training courses, symposia, workshops, and lectures; bestows awards; com-

piles statistics. Publishes quarterly AAI Newsletter and Journal of Immunology.