The ABC series published by the BMJ group are primarily aimed at medical students but could be useful to the junior doctor embarking on GP or early speciality training. This 5th edition of the ABC of Sexually Transmitted Infection has been updated, and importantly contains two introductory chapters outlining the importance of sexually transmitted infections worldwide and their control and prevention.

This book is written by UK-based consultants specialising in Genitourinary Medicine and HIV—and as such reflects British practice and treatment regimens. Therefore, students who are based in Australasia should be prepared to check treatment regimens and antibiotic sensitivity data locally, and amend the book to their own needs.

The book is logically laid out with the first chapters dealing with control and prevention. The following chapters then deal with clinical presentation and examination—within these chapters there are very useful overview tables, which compare and contrast sexually transmitted infections with similar presentations, thus aiding the student to establish a diagnosis.

The chapters dealing with the specific illnesses of syphilis, viral hepatitis, and HIV do so in a clear and concise manner—pointing the student toward more detailed texts, which will certainly be needed.

The tables and diagrams within the book are clear and easy to digest, and the clinical pictures are clear and interesting—but the detail in the microbiology slides is poor and the result disappointing. The last chapter in the book dealing with the laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections is short, and would need augmenting with a basic microbiology text.

In overview, this is an excellent introductory text to sexually transmitted infections that provides a good basic level of information. Any student with an interest in the area will be able to use this text to good effect and then use the references provided to extend their reading