Principles of Virology : Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis and Control

Designed to fill the existing gap between introductory texts and very advanced reviews of major virus families, Principles of Virology introduces upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and medical students to all aspects of virology. Written in an engagingly readable style and generously illustrated with over 400 full-color illustrations, this approachable volume offers detailed examples that illustrate common principles, specific strategies adopted by different viruses to ensure their reproduction, and the current state of virology research.

It presents a principles-based discussion of virology, emphasizing the common reactions that must be completed by all viruses for successful reproduction within a host cell and survival and spread within a host population. The molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles, the interactions of viruses with host organisms, and how these lead to disease are presented with examples drawn from a set of representative animal viruses.

Divided into chapters focusing on specific topics rather than individual viruses, the book allows the student to visualize common themes that cut across virus families, emphasizing the shared features of different viruses. Drawing on the extensive teaching experience of each of its distinguished authors, it illustrates the why and how animal viruses are studied, taking well-known systems and demonstrating how the knowledge gained from these model virus can be used to study viral systems about which our knowledge is still quite limited.

A discussion of viruses in early human cultures, how viruses were discovered, and how the discipline of virology came to be is also provided.