A working knowledge of immunology is as important to pediatricians as is a working knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, or any of the other "basic sciences." For example, the primary immunodeficiency diseases are not nearly as uncommon as originally supposed; a new secondary immunodeficiency disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has touched nearly every practice. There is a growing appreciation that the immune system is important in the pathophysiology of a variety of pediatric illnesses. The third edition of this classic text successfully combines both basic and clinical immunology into one book and is the one immunology text pediatricians should have on their shelf.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section covers basic immunology, with special attention paid to developmental aspects; the second section focuses on immunodeficiency diseases, both primary and secondary; and the third section is a review of immunologic aspects of pediatric illnesses. The first section on