Understanding Viruses is the ideal text for the modern undergraduate virology course. With a
full-color design and rich pedagogy, the text provides a strong introduction to viruses in our daily
lives and viral diseases from an epidemiological and global perspective. Its unique approach
combines historical perspectives along with the clinical and molecular aspects of viral infections,
and chapters discussing specifi c viral diseases include treatment and prevention information.
Contemporary case studies, Refresher Boxes, Virus Files, and quality color fi gures enhance student
learning while a comprehensive ToolKit CD-ROM provides ample course material for instructors.
Understanding Viruses is a must have for virology instructors and students alike!
KEY FEATURES
The text includes historical perspectives in conjunction with the clinical, epidemiological
and molecular aspects of viral diseases.
Features high quality, full-color images throughout!
Virus Files sections throughout the text connect a virus chapter topic to research or virology
techniques currently being carried out or utilized in the fi eld.
Refresher Boxes assist students who may need to brush up on biological concepts.




Teri Shors
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Viruses
2. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Host Cell Constraints
3. Virus Replication Cycles
4. Virus Architecture and Nomenclature
5. Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Diseases
6. Mechanisms of Viral Entry and Spread of Infection in
the Body
7. Host Resistance to Viral Infections
8. Epidemiology
9. The History of Medicine, Clinical Trials, Gene Therapy
and Xenotransplantation
10. Viruses and Cancer
11. Poliovirus and Other Enteroviruses
12. Infl uenza Viruses
13. Rabies
14. Poxviruses
15. Herpesviruses
16. Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV)
17. Hepatitis Viruses
18. Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses
19. What About Prions and Viroids?
20. Plant Viruses
21. The Best for Last: Bacteriophages