Organisms replicate only when conditions are beneficial and, when not replicating, concentrate on surviving environmental stresses in a low growth state. This book addresses the basic science of microbial dormancy and low growth states in the context of human medicine. The chapters describe how bacteria can cause such diseases as stomach ulcers, bladder infections, and tuberculosis. The volume will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in medical microbiology, immunology and infectious disease medicine.