Michael Wilson is Professor of Microbiology in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University College London, and Head of the Department of Microbiology at the Eastman Dental Institute, University College London. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Biofilms and has co-authored or edited numerous books, including Bacterial Disease Mechanisms (2002), Bacterial Adhesion to Host Tissues (2002) and Medical Implications of Biofilms (2003).

• 1. An introduction to the human-microbe symbiosis; 2. The skin and its indigenous microbiota; 3. The eye and its indigenous microbiota; 4. The respiratory system and its indigenous microbiota; 5. The urinary system and its indigenous microbiota; 6. The reproductive system and its indigenous microbiota; 7. The gastrointestinal tract and its indigenous microbiota; 8. The oral cavity and its indigenous microbiota; 9. Role of the indigenous microbiota in maintaining human health; 10. Manipulation of the indigenous microbiota.

'This authoritative book fills a gaping hole in the literature by describing how bacteria interrelate with us … The book's strength lies in the exhaustive, clearly organized evidence that the author presents to overwhelmingly document his hypothesis … His hard-nosed look at the evidence in the area of holistic medicine will be much appreciated by the skeptic and the enthusiast alike … He has made a valuable contribution by assembling in one place this comprehensive body of information.' Science