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. The Online Resource Centre to accompany Human Virology features: For lecturers: Figures from the book in electronic format For students: Hyperlinked bibliography that takes you directly to the articles mentioned in the textbook Oxford NewsNow - The latest news relevant to human virology Useful weblinks to help you research and revise

Viruses are the smallest of organisms, yet given that they account for at least a third of presentations in the doctor's clinic, they must be well understood by medical students and practitioners alike. Collier and Oxford's "Human Virology" presents this complex and rapidly evolving subject with notable clarity and topicality. The first part of the text deals with the general principles of virology, including the properties of viruses, replication and genetics, along with disease and resistance. This is followed by chapters dedicated to specific groups of viruses, then special syndromes associated with susceptible groups. The final part of the book is reserved for practical aspects of virology, including diagnosis, control measures and anti-viral therapies. The author's intent is not to turn their readers into virologists, but rather to provide them with enough knowledge of the nature of viruses and viral infections to serve as an essential foundation for clinical involvement with the subject. By providing a concise but comprehensive account of the fascinating subject of virology, this text is ideal for students of medicine, dentistry, microbiology, nursing and the biological sciences. This latest edition has been extensively updated and incorporates many new diagrams, accompanied by the introduction of full color presentation. The importance of viruses has demanded a fresh appreciation in recent years, providing opportunity for this edition to include coverage of: The emergence of SARS; Latest research in the study of prion diseases; An exploration of the debate regarding MMR versus single vaccination; Progress in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS; Recent advances in diagnostic virology and antiviral therapy; and Greater emphasis on the antiviral precautions required of healthcare professionals.

Pandemic influenza is a re-emerging pathogen with serious public health consequences. The A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009/10 and the continuing threat to humans from avian influenza A(H5N1) and other novel influenza viruses have both underlined the importance of preparedness at local, national and international levels. With a strong emphasis on practicality, this book offers comprehensive coverage of the science and operational application of influenza epidemiology, virology and immunology, vaccinology, pharmaceutical and public health measures, biomathematical modelling, policy issues and ethics involved in preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza. Each chapter raises key questions and answers them in clear and concise sections, detailing relevant modelling studies and further reading. Comprehensively updated to incorporate major lessons from the 2009/10 pandemic, this second edition includes new contributions on surveillance, International Health Regulations, clinical management and local health service responses, illustrated with vibrant international case studies. Written in an easily accessible style by global experts, this is an essential text for students of public health and those involved in local, national and international pandemic preparedness and response.

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

Pandemic influenza is a re-emerging pathogen with serious public health consequences. The A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009/10 and the continuing threat to humans from avian influenza A(H5N1) and other novel influenza viruses have both underlined the importance of preparedness at local, national and international levels. With a strong emphasis on practicality, this book offers comprehensive coverage of the science and operational application of influenza epidemiology, virology and immunology, vaccinology, pharmaceutical and public health measures, biomathematical modelling, policy issues and ethics involved in preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza. Each chapter raises key questions and answers them in clear and concise sections, detailing relevant modelling studies and further reading. Comprehensively updated to incorporate major lessons from the 2009/10 pandemic, this second edition includes new contributions on surveillance, International Health Regulations, clinical management and local health service responses, illustrated with vibrant international case studies. Written in an easily accessible style by global experts, this is an essential text for students of public health and those involved in local, national and international pandemic preparedness and response.