Human Virology

Viruses are some of the simplest infectious agents on the planet, yet can cause severe and even life-threatening diseases in all forms of life - including humans. Despite relying on host cells in order to replicate, viruses can be capable of extremely rapid reproduction and very effective transmission from one person to another. Because of this, they have historically represented a significant proportion of the disease burden affecting humans, in addition to a number of new high profile diseases which have emerged in the last century. However, on a more positive note, the only two diseases to have ever been eradicated by mankind were both viruses, giving hope that in the future more viruses can be eliminated. Human Virology provides a vivid introduction to this fascinating field, by incorporating both the molecular and clinical aspects of the subject. The general principles and properties of viruses are covered in the first part of the text, while part two provides a survey of the different virus families and the human diseases they cause. Finally, the book concludes with some of the more practical aspects of the subject, such as immunization, antiviral chemotherapy and laboratory techniques. Throughout the text, case studies bring the subject to life by providing a unique perspective from real practicing doctors. In addition new 'hot topic' boxes have been incorporated into this edition, featuring current important areas of research. Little prior knowledge is assumed, making Human Virology the perfect text for those students new to the subject. The Online Resource Centre to accompany Human Virology features: For students: ·multiple-choice questions for self-directed learning ·Web links to online animations and videos For lecturers: ·Figures from the book in electronic format, ready to download

Table of Contents:
Part 1: General principles 1: Virology: how it all began and where it will go next 2: General properties of viruses 3: Viral replication and genetics 4: How viruses cause disease 5: Resistance of the human body to virus infections 6: Viruses and the community: the science and practice of epidemiology Part 2: Specific viruses Group 1 - Positive sense single-stranded RNA viruses 7: Picornaviruses: polio, hepatitis A, enterovirus, and common cold 8: Astroviruses: gastroenteritis agents 9: Calciviruses: norovirus causing vomiting and diarrhoea 10: Hepatitis E 11: Togaviruses: mosquito-borne, Chikungunya, and teratogenic rubella 12: Flaviviruses: yellow fever, dengue fever, and hepatitis C 13: Coronaviruses (including SARS CoV and MERS CoV) Group 2 - Negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses 14: Orthomyxoviruses: influenza A, B, C 15: Arenaviruses: Lassa and haemorrhagic fevers 16: Bunyaviruses: Hanta, phlebo, and nairo 17: Paramyxoviruses: measles, RSV, mumps, parainfluenza, metapneumovirus, and zoonotic henipaviruses 18: Filoviruses: zoonotic Marburg, and Ebola 19: Rabies: zoonotic rabies Group 3 - Double-stranded RNA viruses 20: Reoviruses: diarrhoea-causing rotaviruses Group 4 - Double-stranded DNA viruses 21: Polyomaviruses 22: Papillomaviruses 23: Herpesviruses: herpetic lesions, zoster, cancer, and encephalitis 24: Smallpox: human disease eradicated but zoonotic pox virus infections common 25: Adenovirus: respiratory, eye, and gastroenteritis viruses Group 5 - Single-stranded DNA viruses 26: Parvovirus Group 6 - Single-stranded positive sense RNA with an RT 27: Retroviruses: HIV-1 and -2 and HTLV Group 7 - Circular double-stranded DNA viruses with an RT 28: Hepadnaviruses: hepatitis B and D Part 3: Practical aspects 29: The clinical virology laboratory 30: Control of viral disease by immunization 31: Antiviral chemotherapy

About the Author :
John Oxford is Professor of Virology at St. Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of London. He is the co-author of two standard texts on Influenza and Virology and has published 250 scientific papers throughout the world. Professor Oxford serves as the Scientific Director of hVIVO Ltd., the College's research virology company. Paul Kellam is Professor of Virus Genomics, Imperial College London, and VP for Vaccines & Infectious Disease at Kymab Ltd. Leslie Collier was from 1978 to 1986 Professor of Virology at the London Hospital Medical College, being succeeded in this post by John Oxford.

Review :
Without reservation. I will be recommending this edition. I will be reaching for my copy of this book and lending it to trainees. The general principles section is short but very well-put together - impressive. Subsequent chapters are organised as per Baltimore classification of viruses - this approach gives an ease of use to students that was remarked upon by the two students that I lent the book to and was obvious to me. The book is exceptionally well-written in consistent and clear style. The writers have thought about the readers understanding. The clinical case studies are brilliant - superbly put together aimed at contextualising and making memorable the content. Several of them will be great resources to teachers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as did the two students that I lent it to.