Viral infections of the nervous system are important because they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A variety of pathogenetic mechanisms are involved in these infections and an understanding of the pathogenesis is essential in understanding the diagnostic and clinical management aspects of the disease. Specialized investigations are often necessary for definitive diagnosis, although a presumptive diagnosis should often be suspected on the basis of the clinical features. Many of the chapters in this book are written by neurologists who are experts in basic science research of their topic in addition to active clinical practice in their specialty.

The term "unconventional virus" refers to virus-like agents that differ from conventional viruses in significant respects--resistance to agents that inactivate normal viruses, for example. Certain rare and fatal neurological disorders, such as the Creutzfeldt-Jacob syndrome and the Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome, are clearly produced by virus-like infectious agents, but the nature of these agents is not understood. This volume brings together the latest information on one such disease: Scrapie, a disease occurring in sheep. It discusses the nature of this infectious agent and insights gained through new techniques in molecular genetics. The work as a whole focuses on the implications of animal data for research on human disorders, such as the possible connection between unconventional viruses and Alzheimer's Disease. The discussions represent the work of specialists from a broad spectrum of fields including virology, neuropathology, and molecular biology.

"This clinical reference on central nervous system infections is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Fourth edition. Over 70 leading experts provide comprehensive, current information on all infections--both neural-specific and systemic--that involve the central nervous system. Areas with significant new clinical information include treatment of tuberculosis, non-tubercular mycobacterial infections, brain abscess, and Lyme disease"--Provided by publisher.

It has been recognized that viruses can induce neuronal damage by a variety of mechanisms. This volume summarizes, for the first time, the various ways that neurons can degenerate under the influence of viral infection, ranging from acute necrosis and virus-induced apoptosis to chronic damage in persistent infections. The mechanisms of neuronal latency are dealt with as well. The volume also includes chapters that review the chronic damage caused by viral proteins that interfere with differentiated functions of the neuron, including signaling by neurotransmitters and signal transduction by trophic factors. Other chapters deal with the controversial role of cellular immune reactions, which may be helpful in controlling infection, but may also be detrimental to the host nervous system. The specific mechanisms of damage involved in retroviral infections and in prion diseases of the nervous system are reviewed, and finally how autoimmune diseases can lead to neuronal damage.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. The most concise, clinically relevant, and current review of medical microbiology and immunology Review of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is a succinct, high-yield review of the medically important aspects of microbiology and immunology. It covers both the basic and clinical aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and immunology and also discusses important infectious diseases using an organ system approach. The book emphasizes the real-world clinical application of microbiology and immunology to infectious diseases and offers a unique mix of narrative text, color images, tables and figures, Q&A, and clinical vignettes. • Content is valuable to any study objective or learning style • Essential for USMLE review and medical microbiology coursework • 650 USMLE-style practice questions test your knowledge and understanding • 50 clinical cases illustrate the importance of basic science information in clinical diagnosis • A complete USMLE-style practice exam consisting of 80 questions helps you prepare for the exam • Pearls impart important basic science information helpful in answering questions on the USMLE • Concise summaries of medically important organisms • Self-assessment questions with answers appear at the end of each chapter • Color images depict clinically important findings, such as infectious disease lesions • Gram stains of bacteria, electron micrographs of viruses, and microscopic images depict fungi, protozoa, and worms • Chapters on infectious diseases from an organ system perspective

This volume is the first in a planned series of thematic volumes for Advances in Virus Research. It covers the etiology, pathogenetic mechanisms, and clincial consequences of human neurotropic viruses. Buchmeier is a virologist, Campbell an immunologist, and both are extremely well known in their fields. Numerous illustrations including colour Knowledgeable discussion of the potential role of viral infections in teratogenic and developmental disorders Frank discussion of the role of stress in disease Behavioural consequences of chronic CNS infection