This generously illustrated book, the fourth edition of the highly acclaimed Diagnostic Virology, is a handbook for the recognition and characterization of virus-induced cellular changes seen by light microscopy, as well as virus morphology seen by electron microscopy. The authors cover all aspects of the subject, from specimen collection and laboratory safety to virus isolation and identification and cell culture. This edition includes a new chapter on the human retroviruses, especially relevant since the onset of the AIDS epidemic, and expands the chapters on the arboviruses and hepatitis viruses.
A collection of cutting-edge techniques for detecting most of the major viruses that afflict mankind, including influenza, hepatitis, herpes, polio, mumps, HIV, and many more. The techniques are well-tested, easily reproducible, and readily employ all the new technologies-PCR, RIA, ELISA, and latex-agglutination-that have revolutionized the field. These methods not only make it possible to do the necessary analysis in hours instead of days, but can also be automated in a laboratory havng only low levels of biological containment. Frequently, the protocols for viruses causing human diseases can be adapted to similar viruses of veterinary importance. Through its state-of-the-art methods a physician can, for the first time, determine early in a viral infection which antiviral drug should be used and minimize the period of treatment to avoid unnecessary side effects.
The explosion in clinical testing has been especially rapid in virology, where emerging viruses and growing numbers of viral infections are driving advances. The Guide to Clinical and Diagnostic Virology offers a digestible view of the breadth and depth of information related to clinical virology, providing a practical, working knowledge of the wide array of viruses that cause human disease. Introductory chapters cover the basics of clinical virology and laboratory diagnosis of infections, including virus structure, life cycle, transmission, taxonomy, specimen types and handling, and a comparison of assays used for detection. Detailed sections on important topics include Viral pathogens and their clinical presentations Diagnostic assays and techniques, including culture-based, immunological, and molecular Prevention and management of viral infections, with guidance on biosafety, vaccines, and antiviral therapies The regulatory environment for laboratory testing, including regulatory requirements and assay performance and interpretation Critical concepts are carefully curated and concisely summarized and presented with detailed illustrations that aid comprehension, along with important highlights and helpful hints. These features, plus question sections that reinforce significant ideas and key concepts, make this an invaluable text for anyone looking for an accessible route through clinical and diagnostic virology. Laboratory technologists, medical students, infectious disease and microbiology fellows, pathology residents, researchers, and everyone involved with viruses in the clinical setting will find the Guide to Clinical and Diagnostic Virology an excellent text as well as companion to clinical virology references.
To Catch a Virus Trace the evolution of diagnostic virology from yellow fever to COVID-19 Join expert storytellers John Booss, Marilyn J. August, and Marie Louise Landry in a journey through the history of viral epidemics and the detective work of those determined to identify the culprits and treat the infected. From the identification of the first virus in the late 1800s to the molecular techniques that enabled the rapid recognition of and vaccine development for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, viral diagnostic methods have progressed over the past century to become a formidable tool in human health care. This collection of gripping historical narratives covers a range of fascinating outbreaks and public health challenges, from yellow fever and smallpox to AIDS and COVID-19. This new edition chronicles the ongoing story of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the people, the pathogen, and the progress in the diagnostic laboratory and clinical settings that has touched every aspect of global health. The many photographs and rich biographical sketches of key figures, diagrams of diagnostic procedures, micrographs of virus-infected cells, timelines, and a new glossary of key terms make To Catch a Virus compelling reading. This book serves as an excellent resource for courses in virology, immunology, microbiology, and public health. As the world struggles with the ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, To Catch a Virus is an insightful and superbly told story that chronicles the incredible metamorphosis of diagnostic virology and the technological advances that now make it possible to quickly and accurately detect and monitor the many disease-causing viruses that plague humankind. A stimulating, informative, and absorbing read that is highly recommended. —Richard L. Hodinka, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; former Director, Clinical Virology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia To Catch a Virus provides a beautifully written and compelling story of scientific discovery. It carefully traces the understanding of viral diseases from the turn of the twentieth century to the present. For general readers the authors provide timely and expert guidance to the extraordinary advances in diagnosis, surveillance, and therapeutics that constitute the silver lining in the otherwise somber years of COVID-19. For anyone wishing to understand the challenges confronting virologists and their accomplishments to date, this work is the place to start. —Frank M. Snowden, PhD, Andrew Downey Orrick Professor Emeritus of History, Yale University; former Chair, Program in History of Science and History of Medicine, Yale University
