Abstract

The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Immunology and Allergy is a practical and clinically relevant guide to assist with the diagnosis and management of immunological/allergic disease, and the correct selection and interpretation of immunological tests. This new edition reflects the significant developments that have occurred in the field over recent years. Major revisions have been made to the section on primary immunodeficiencies to demonstrate the advances in understanding genetics, tissue typing, and therapeutics. The first section covers clinical diseases, including primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, allergic disease, autoimmunity and connective tissue diseases, and vasculitis. It gives guidance on test selection and interpretation for both diagnosis and monitoring. The second section covers diagnostic tests, summarizing the methodology and pros and cons of each.  About the Author Gavin Spickett is currently consultant immunologist and allergist in the Regional Department of Immunology, Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne. He also still undertakes acute general medicine on the acute medical admissions unit, in addition to leading the regional clinical immunology and allergy service and directing the regional immunology laboratory. Prior to taking up the substantive post in Newcastle, he had a spell as a locum at Leicester Royal Infirmary. His training in immunology was undertaken at the MRC Cellular Immunology Unit in Oxford, with Don Mason, the MRC Clinical Research Centre at Northwick Park, with David Webster, and at the John Radcliffe in Oxford, with Helen Chapel. General medical training was undertaken in Ipswich. The Handbook was written primarily as the book he wished he had when training in immunology, and now a repository of all the information acquired but at risk of being forgotten if not put down on paper.