Human virology (4^th Ed.)

Viruses are the ultimate parasites: they infect cells and hijack their molecular machinery in order to survive, often destroying the host cell in the process. In so doing, they present a major challenge to human health and well-being, with the continual emergence of new viral strains placing huge demands on healthcare systems internationally. Human Virology is the perfect introduction to the subject for anyone who needs to understand how viruses impact on human health, and how they can be managed in a clinical context. It does not seek to turn its readers into virologists, but to provide them with enough knowledge of the nature of viruses and viral infections to serve as an essential foundation for anyone encountering viruses in a clinical or biomedical context. Capturing this complex and rapidly-evolving subject with remarkable clarity, Human Virology describes the general principles of viral biology - the properties of viruses, their replication and genetics - along with disease and resistance, before introducing the infections caused by key groups of viruses. It concludes with an overview of the management of viral disease, including diagnosis and immunization. Reflecting our latest understanding of the molecular basis of viral diseases, Human Virology is the ideal resource for all students of medicine, dentistry, and the biological and biomedical sciences, who need a clear and focused introduction to the subject.