The publication of this volume of The Viruses entitled The Togaviridae and Flaviviridae comes at an appropriate time. The structure and rep lication strategies of these viruses are now known to be sufficiently di verse to warrant the removal of flaviviruses from the Togaviridae family and establish them as an independent family. Flaviviridae have a special place in the history of virology. The prototype virus-yellow fever virus was the first virus to be identified as the cause of a human disease. Some of the history of this discovery is described in Chapter 1 of this volume; in Chapter 10 the complete sequence of the RNA genome of the virus is presented. This sequence not only defines the primary structure of the viral proteins, it also clarifies the mechanism of translation of the fla vivirus genome. Knowledge of the sequence of the structural proteins of these viruses represents an important step in the potential goal of using purified flavivirus glycoproteins as vaccines. Many of the chapters in this volume focus on the structure and replication of the Togaviridae. These viruses have provided valuable models for studies in cell biology, partic ularly with regard to the cotranslational and posttranslational steps re quired for the synthesis and localization of membrane glycoproteins. Fur thermore, Togaviridae have been pivotal in our growing understanding of how enveloped viruses enter and exit from cells. The broad outlines of the structure and gene expression of Togavir idae and Flaviviridae are known, but important questions remain.

those who deal with infectious diseases on a daily This two volume work stems from the belief of the Editors that infectious diseases are not only very basis. much with us today but, more importantly, that they There are several excellent textbooks dealing will continue to playa significant global role in mor with medical microbiology, and there are equally bidity and mortality in all people. A continuing need well-recognized books devoted to infectious dis for an informed and knowledgeable community of eases. The Editors of this work, on the other hand, were persuaded that there was a need for a publica laboratory scientists is fundamental. Data describing tion that would bring together the most pertinent and the global impact of infectious diseases are difficult to come by. Fortunately, a recent thoughtful and relevant information on the principles and practice of provocative publication by Bennett et al. (1987) pro the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases and vides us with data derived from several consultants include clinical relationships. While this two volume that clearly delineate the impact of infectious dis text is directed toward the role of the laboratory in eases on the United States today.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are the causative agents of significant morbidity and mortality among humans and domestic animals globally. They are maintained in complex biological life cycles, involving a primary vertebrate host and a primary arthropod vector. While all known arboviruses are zoonotic pathogens, their emergence as human pathogens is associated with dramatic increases of human population growth leading to uncontrolled urbanization, changes in land and water use, changes in agricultural practices, new irrigation systems and deforestation. This book brings together a panel of expert arbovirologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly expanding arbovirus research literature. In addition authors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: taxonomy, genome organization, virus-host and virus-vector interactions, evolutionary history, role of vertical transmission in arbovirus maintenance and evolution, epidemiology, arbovirus replication, pathogenesis, arbovirus diagnostics and control, including vaccines, novel anti-viral drugs, RNA interference and genetically modified vectors. Essential reading for every arbovirologist and highly recommended for all virologists and public health officials. [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science, Arbovirology, Virology, Taxonomy, Epidemiology]

The practical need to partition the world of viruses into distinguishable, universally agreed upon entities is the ultimate justification for developing a virus classification system. Since 1971, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) operating on behalf of the world community of virologists has taken on the task of developing a single, universal taxonomic scheme for all viruses infecting animals (vertebrate, invertebrates, and protozoa), plants (higher plants and algae), fungi, bacteria, and archaea. The current report builds on the accumulated taxonomic construction of the eight previous reports dating back to 1971 and records the proceedings of the Committee since publication of the last report in 2005. Representing the work of more than 500 virologists worldwide, this report is the authoritative reference for virus organization, distinction, and structure.

Over 50% of known flaviviruses have been associated with human disease. The Flavivirus genus constitutes some of the most serious human pathogens including Japanese encephalitis, dengue and yellow fever. Flaviviruses are known for their complex life cycles and epidemic spread, and are considered a globally-emergent viral threat. Detection, Diagnosis and Vaccine Development, the third volume of The Flaviviruses details the current status of technologies for detection and differentiation of these viruses, their use in surveillance and outbreak investigation, and also reviews the latest clinical research. - Comprehensive approach to the scientific disciplines needed to unravle the complexities of virus-host interactions - Descibes the technologies that have contributed to our current knowledge about the Flaviviruses - Identifies the major problems faced in understanding the virus-host interactins that result in disease - An exhaustive compendium of current and past knowledge on the Flavivirus family

Fenner and White's Medical Virology, Fifth Edition provides an integrated view of related sciences, from cell biology, to medical epidemiology and human social behavior. The perspective represented by this book, that of medical virology as an infectious disease science, is meant to provide a starting point, an anchor, for those who must relate the subject to clinical practice, public health practice, scholarly research, and other endeavors. The book presents detailed exposition on the properties of viruses, how viruses replicate, and how viruses cause disease. These chapters are then followed by an overview of the principles of diagnosis, epidemiology, and how virus infections can be controlled. The first section concludes with a discussion on emergence and attempts to predict the next major public health challenges. These form a guide for delving into the specific diseases of interest to the reader as described in Part II. This lucid and concise, yet comprehensive, text is admirably suited to the needs of not only advanced students of science and medicine, but also postgraduate students, teachers, and research workers in all areas of virology. Features updated and expanded coverage of pathogenesis and immunity Contains the latest laboratory diagnostic methods Provides insights into clinical features of human viral disease, vaccines, chemotherapy, epidemiology, and control

The Togaviruses: Biology, Structure, Replication deals with the biology, structure, and replication of rotaviruses. This book covers topics such as the biochemistry of rotaviruses and the biological and medical challenges they pose. It also gives an account of their mechanisms of replication that might lead to perceptions of the capacity to solve biological and epidemiological problems through the concepts and technology of molecular biology. This text is comprised of 21 chapters that explore clinical details, routine procedures for diagnostic virus isolation and identification and for serological tests; immunological host responses; the role of interferons; antiviral chemotherapy; and vaccine development. The discussion begins with a historical overview of arboviruses, followed by a description of all the viruses that belong to Togaviridae. These include alpha- and flaviviruses, rubiviruses, pestiviruses, and other ""non-arbo"" togaviruses. The next chapters focus on the arthropod-vertebrate-arthropod transmission cycle and its experimental equivalents, along with the viruses' structure, composition, and replication. This book concludes with a summary of physicochemical, morphological, and clinical data on non-arbo togaviruses. This reference material will be of interest to physicians, veterinarians, ecologists, entomologists, epidemiologists, cell biologists, immunologists, virologists, physical chemists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and geneticists.