Principles of Virology: Pathogenesis and Control

Now in two conveniently sized volumes, Principles of Virology, 3rd Edition, is completely revised and updated to reflect important advances in the field. The textbook continues to fill the gap between introductory texts and advanced reviews of major virus families. These two volumes provide upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and medical students with a state-of-the-art introduction to all aspects of virology. Written in an engaging style and generously illustrated with over 600 full-color illustrations, these accessible volumes offer detailed examples to illustrate common principles, specific strategies to ensure replication and propagation of viruses, and a crucial overview of the current state of research in virology.

New in the 3rd Edition:

Organized into two convenient-to-carry and beautifully illustrated paperback volumes-Volume I (Molecular Biology) and Volume II (Pathogenesis and Control)-each with its own glossary and appendix
Volumes I and II may be purchased separately or together in a bundle at a reduced per-volume price
The two stand-alone volumes illustrate the strategies by which all viruses are propagated, how infections spread, and how they are maintained in populations
Volume I features the molecular processes that take place in an infected cell
Volume II offers a concise treatment of the interplay between viruses and their host organisms
Introduces new chapters that discuss principles of infection of hosts and populations as well as a basic introduction to the mathematics of viral growth

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD, D(ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description:This two-volume book describes the basic elements of viruses that infect animals. The first volume describes the basic biology of the viruses and compares the life cycles. The second volume describes the pathogenesis and host responses. This third edition is clearly needed in light of the large volume of information about viruses that has been discovered since the last version in 2004.
Purpose:According to the authors, this book is designed to describe the "process and strategy" of viral lifestyles rather than listing detailed information about specific viral agents. This is a very important objective since it sets the stage for the study of new viral agents.
Audience:It is written for graduate students studying viral pathogens as well as professional researchers or teachers. The authors are all accomplished researchers as well as teachers. The book is clearly very instructive and could be used as a textbook in a graduate level class on basic virology. The only disadvantage is the high cost.
Features:The first volume presents in great detail the overall strategies that the viruses use to infect host cells and set up a process to replicate and generate copies that are then released from these cells. Throughout the chapters are boxed areas that present experimental ideas or discussion issues and help to encourage investigative thinking. The second volume describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatments for viral infections. In many cases, it gives some history of how viral pathogens were discovered and the impact of viral infections on human populations even as recent at the last 20 years. Additional chapters discuss the strategies used to develop effective vaccines and antiviral drugs. Both volumes have a nice sprinkling of interesting facts and historical perspectives that makes the topics more intriguing. One of the best features of all the chapters is the high quality of the figures; they are instructive and help to clarify the text.
Assessment:This excellent set can be used both as a reference and as a teaching tool. The figures are well designed and would be nice to have as a supplemental electronic source to use in lectures. Most chapters start with a thought-provoking quote. This is a reference that will be used often.