Dimmock N.J., Easton A.J., Leppard K.N. Introduction to Modern Virology

6th edition. — Blackwell Publishing, 2007. — 536 p.Introduction to Modern Virology has been an established student text for over 25 years. Providing an integrated account of the subject across different host systems, with an emphasis on human and animal viruses, this book covers the field of virology from molecular biology to disease processes using a unique systems approach. Featuring an all new art program in full color, the new edition has been updated throughout, and reorganized into thematic sections on the fundamental nature of viruses, their growth in cells, their interactions with the host organism and their role as agents of human disease. There is a new chapter on Human Viral Disease and rapidly developing areas, such as the use of viruses as gene therapy vectors, have been included. The 6th edition is even more accessible, now including key points and integrative questions in every chapter, as well as text boxes emphasizing take-home messages, evidence underpinning the main concepts, and further information for more advanced readers. Prevention and therapy, evolution and emerging viruses receive particular attention and specific chapters address the major infectious challenges posed by HIV, pandemic influenza and BSE. This highly accessible text provides ideal reading for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of biology and medicine wishing to study virology.What is a virus?
Towards a definition of a virus
Some methods for studying animal viruses
The structure of virus particles
Classification of viruses
Virus growth in cells
The process of infection: I. Attachment of viruses and the entry of their genomes into the target cell
The process of infection: IIA. The replication of viral DNA
The process of infection: IIB. Genome replication in RNA viruses
The process of infection: IIC. The replication of RNA viruses with a DNA intermediate and vice versa
The process of infection: IIIA. Gene expression in DNA viruses and reverse-transcribing viruses
The process of infection: IIIB. Gene expression and its regulation in RNA viruses
The process of infection: IV. The assembly of viruses
Virus interactions with the whole organism
The immune system and virus neutralization
Interactions between animal viruses and cells
Animal virus–host interactions
Mechanisms in virus latency
Transmission of viruses
The evolution of viruses
Viruses and disease
Human viral disease: an overview
HIV and AIDS
Carcinogenesis and tumor viruses
Vaccines and antivirals: the prevention and treatment of virus diseases
Prion diseases
Horizons in human virology