Breaks new ground in explaining the breakthroughs possible with therapeutic microbiology. Explores the potential and actual uses of the many methods for altering the microbiotas of humans and animals: probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, bacteriophages, and replacement therapy. Describes the biological principles underlying the manipulation of the indigenous microbiota and the biology of the effector organisms that have been utilized for this purpose. Discusses the many microbes that can potentially be used therapeutically and prophylactically. Serves as a reference to medical, dental and veterinary practitioners with an interest in alternative approaches to the prevention and treatment of microbial diseases. This title is published by the American Society of Microbiology Press and distributed by Taylor and Francis in rest of world territories.