Infectious disease physician Phillip Peterson examines how our understanding of viruses has changed throughout history, from early epidemics and pandemics to more recent outbreaks such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola and Zika virus.

Microbes also take on contemporary issues like the importance of vaccination ahead of the burgeoning anti-vaxxer movement, as well as the rise of cutting-edge health treatments like fecal transplants.

Peterson recounts his first-hand experience dealing with the unprecedented emergence of new microbial threats. The recent amazing discoveries about the important role the bacteria that reside on the surface of our bodies play in human health.

Microbes explains to a general audience where these germs come from, what they do and for us, and what can be done to stop the bad guys and nurture benefactors.

Microbes: The Life-Changing Story of Germs takes us on a remarkable journey starting from the very origin of life, where microbes (aka germs) were the only inhabitants on the planet for a few billion years before us. They have given rise to, and evolved with all plants and animals, including the sharing of some genetic material. They are part of us, inextricably linked, each depending on the other for survival.

Philip Peterson, MD has spent his career consulting, researching, and teaching in the area of infectious diseases. There is so much fascinating information packed into this book, that it’s hard to decide what to include in this review.

We learn about the origin of life, evolution, microbiology, infectious diseases, history, inventors, and the environment, as well as about our own health: all influenced by tiny creatures that we can’t even see. This story, which has many details, is explained very clearly, often in a personal and conversational tone, without losing any of the scientific information. Microbes will be enjoyed by the non-scientist, as well as by those with a scientific background.

• Microbes

• The Life-Changing Story of Germs
• By: Phillip K. Peterson