Book excerpt: Cytopathology of Infectious Diseases is the first book of its kind to focus entirely on the cytopathology of infectious diseases. It contains all of the pertinent information about the cytology of infectious diseases and microorganisms and will serve as an ideal handy reference. This unique volume covers the cytomorphology of various microorganisms and the host reactions they elicit, and also incorporates an update on advances in the field. Newly recognized infections such as the recent discovery of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV) are included, as well as the utility of new immunostains (e.g. CM2B4 for MCV) and the role of molecular techniques that assist in the identification, classification and even quantification of microorganisms. Each chapter is succinctly written and concisely referenced with key published articles and resources. The volume includes practical pointers, useful diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses and potential pitfalls. Many color images of high resolution that illustrate microorganisms (e.g. branching hyphae) and host reactions (e.g. viral cytopathic effect) are included throughout. Relevant tables with diagrams that provide quick reference guides are incorporated. Cytopathology of Infectious Diseases will serve as a valuable reference tool for cytopathologists, anatomical/clinical pathologists, cytotechnologists, pathology residents and cytopathology fellows.