The ideal text for undergraduate students majoring in biology, microbiology, medical technology, or pre-med, the Second Edition of Understanding Viruses provides a balanced approach to this fascinating discipline, combining the molecular, clinical, and historical aspects of virology. Updated throughout to keep pace with this fast-paced field, the text provides a strong, comprehensive introduction to human viral diseases. New material on molecular virology as well as new virus families presented coupled with chapters on viral diseases of animals; the history of clinical trials, gene therapy, and xenotranplantation; prions and viroids; plant viruses; and bacteriophages add to the scope of the text. Chapters discussing specific viral diseases weave in an epidemiological and global perspective and include treatment and prevention information. Contemporary case studies, Refresher Boxes, and Virus Files engage students in the learning process. With a wealth of student and instructor support tools, Understanding Viruses is an accessible, exciting, and engaging text for your virology course.

Chapter 1 Introduction to Viruses
Chapter 2 Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Host Cell Constraints
Chapter 3 Virus Architecture and Nomenclature
Chapter 4 Virus Replication Cycles
Chapter 5 Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Diseases and Working with Viruses in the Research Laboratory
Chapter 6 Mechanisms of Viral Entry and Spread of Infection in the Body
Chapter 7 Host Resistance to Viral Infections
Chapter 8 Epidemiology
Chapter 9 The History of Medicine, Clinical Trials, Gene Therapy, and Xenotransplantation
Chapter 10 Viruses and Cancer
Chapter 11 Poliovirus and Other Enteroviruses
Chapter 12 Influenza Viruses
Chapter 13 Rabies
Chapter 14 Poxviruses
Chapter 15 Herpesviruses
Chapter 16 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Chapter 17 Hepatitis Viruses
Chapter 18 New Viruses and Viruses That Are Reemerging
Chapter 19 What About Prions and Viroids?
Chapter 20 Plant Viruses
Chapter 21 The Best for Last: Bacteriophages