Russell Hugo and Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection Preservation and Sterilization

This 4th edition is divided into two parts: the first on
principles and the second on practices.
Part I begins with an historical overview, followed by
descriptions of the types of antimicrobial agents, factors
affecting efficacy, evaluation, modes of action and types of
resistance. Also included is a new chapter on the problems of
biofilms, as there are particular difficulties in inactivating
sessile bacteria.

Part II covers topics relating to sterilization and the control
of these processes, including heat, radiation, gases and
filtration.
It also includes updated material on new and emerging
technologies, discusses special problems in hospitals, dentistry
and pharmaceutical practices, and concludes with an evaluation
of the activity of agents and good manufacturing. The section
relating to the spoilage of wood, paper, textiles, paints and
stonework in the preservation section has been removed to ensure
that this edition is focused on issues relating specifically to
health and medicine