Molecular Basis of Virus Evolution

Description

Advances in molecular biology have enabled leaps forward in the determination of virus phylogenetic history. This detailed book results from the invitation to foremost experts to give essays on aspects of virus biology based on current data. Initial chapters cover impacts of viruses and their control. Further chapters detail genetic variation of viruses and the molecular basis of interrelations with hosts. This leads to discussions of interactions with the host at the population level, and their molecular basis and evolution. Seventeen chapters follow, by specialists on particular groups of viruses describing their impact, genetic origins, sources of variation, population genetics and interactions with hosts. Practical virologists will find the chapters on phylogenetic analysis techniques very useful. The adaptive nature of viruses makes this work highly relevant to evolutionists.

'... this book will be of interest to both professional virologists and evolutionists. It may also represent the coming of age of viral evolution.' Eddie Holmes, Society for General Microbiology Quarterly '... not only for virologists but for all who are interested in practical studies of biological evolution.' Reiner Spieker, Journal of Plant Physiology '... this is an excellent compilation of the spectrum of studies in this area ... A timely book with something for those interested in epidemiology and infection, but also in their theoretical basis.' Ursula Gompels, Epidemiology and Infection