this book represents an excellent, updated review on selected topics, ideas, hypotheses, and therapeutic strategies in the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory phenomena. the introductory article reveals the nature of the immune status of critically ill patients and proposes the usefulness of immuno-stimulating therapy. the next series of articles deals with the role of cytokines in mediating cell functions in immunity and inflammation. the complexity of the prostaglandin function, the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and their control, as well as the inflammatory response to mycobacteria, are critically evaluated. in addition, therapeutic strategies in infection and inflammation, including application of cytokines and anti-apoptotic factors, are proposed. these also include phage therapy, whose renaissance is associated with the recent worsening problem of resistance to antibiotics. the book is addressed to scientists involved in biomedical research, hospital doctors, and medical students interested in the immunology of inflammation.