For pre-nursing and allied health students (including mixed-majors courses). Cutting-edge microbiology research for today's learners. Tortora, Funke, and Cases Microbiology, An Introduction brings a 21st-century lens to the #1 best-selling text on the market. Known for its exceptionally clear presentation of complex topics, this trusted text provides a careful balance of concepts and applications, pedagogically superior art, and robust animations and media via Mastering Microbiology. With the 13th Edition, the new Exploring the Microbiome boxes present updated research on the microbiome and how microbes influence human health. Four new Big Picture spreads cover vaccine-preventable diseases, the hygiene hypothesis, vertical transmission, and bioterrorism.