Introduction to Modern Virology

by N.J. Dimmock, Keith N. Leppard, Andrew J. Easton

Introduction to Modern Virology has been an established student text for over 25 years. Providing an integrated account of the subject across different host systems, with an emphasis on human and animal viruses, this book covers the field of virology from molecular biology to disease processes using a unique systems approach. Featuring an all new art program in full color, the new edition has been updated throughout, and reorganized into thematic sections on the fundamental nature of viruses, their growth in cells, their interactions with the host organism and their role as agents of human disease. There is a new chapter on Human Viral Disease and rapidly developing areas, such as the use of viruses as gene therapy vectors, have been included.
The 6th edition is even more accessible, now including key points and integrative questions in every chapter, as well as text boxes emphasizing take-home messages, evidence underpinning the main concepts, and further information for more advanced readers. Prevention and therapy, evolution and emerging viruses receive particular attention and specific chapters address the major infectious challenges posed by HIV, pandemic influenza and BSE. This highly accessible text provides ideal reading for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of biology and medicine wishing to study virology.
Artwork from the book and helpful student and instructor resources are available online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/dimmock.

An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Please contact our Higher Education team at HigherEducation@wiley.com for more information.

Genres: Biology

536 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[lolineka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introductory reading in virology. But rather soon it turns into somewhat fluent overview of known facts. It's clear, that viruses difficult to be studied and described in such a strictly systematic manner as cellular forms of life e.g. Procaryota/Eukaryota.

First part of the book is kind of compendium of general facts about distinct viruses and their families, which lead to some less or more general conclusions. Next, comes the part where are described some selected species of importance to human being, animals and plants (primarily as pathogenic agents ofc). There, in my mind, one would expect more details on the physiology of those. But this is not the case. Probably, this would blow book volume drastically... So this is why it's called introduction, after all.

Unlike some other books of this ilk, this one doesn't contain such basics like f.ex. extensive DNA structure description, biosynthesis and host biology info. So, some prerequisites in biology required. As viruses still remain a moving target in numerous aspects, this book unavoidably misses things. Not pretending to be comprehensive, it is just a trampoline. Further details have to be mined from articles (virology is not exception here, but it's affected even more than other branches of science about life). In general, what authors aim at, they definitely reach, in my opinion.

All in all, really decent reading, and worth time if you find yourself interested in the topic, have some background already, but you're not a virologist yet :)
(BTW, funny British writing makes it only better :)

PS: don't even try to dig out something COVID-19 there.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent text either as an introduction to virology or to use as a recap. I’ve picked it up 10 years after my degree and it’s engaging and clear.

I’ve never seen a lecture by Prof Dimmock so cannot comment, but if you ever get the chance to attend teaching done by Profs Easton or Leppard then do it - they’re both excellent speakers.

[H M Al amin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have studied this for my semester course. It was a really Interesting book. I have kept this book, in my collection. Hope in future, I will be able to use this books for my future reference.