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 "gold standard" clinical reference on central nervous system infections is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Third Edition. More than 70 leading experts provide comprehensive, current information on all infections—both neural-specific and systemic—that involve the central nervous system. This edition includes new information on botulinum toxin as a biological weapon and a therapeutic agent, neurologic effects of viruses causing hemorrhagic fevers, and infections that have recently become more prevalent or been found in new geographic locations. The updated coverage of therapeutics includes AIDS/HIV medications and other antiviral drugs, new antifungal medications, and vaccinations against Lyme disease and bacterial meningitis.

This latest edition of the classic text includes new and greatly revised chapters on laboratory methods in epidemiology, human herpesvirus types 6 and 7, parvovirus, and retroviruses. The book covers the principles and approaches to the study of viral infections in human populations, major virus classes of medical and public health importance, and neoplastic and other slowly developing diseases due to viral infection.

Organized to approach patient problems the way you do, this best-selling text guides you through the evaluation of neurologic symptoms, helps you select the most appropriate tests and interpret the findings, and assists you in effectively managing the underlying causes. Its practical approach makes it an ideal reference for clinical practice. Includes practical, evidence-based approaches from an internationally renowned team of authors. Zeroes in on what you really need to know with helpful tables that highlight links between neurological anatomy, diagnostic studies, and therapeutic procedures. Offers a logical, clinically relevant format so you can find the answers you need quickly. Features a new, updated design for easier reference. Includes new full-color images and updated illustrations to facilitate comprehension of important concepts. Features updated chapters on the latest genetic- and immunologic-based therapies, advances in pharmacology, and new imaging techniques. Includes an expanded and updated CD-ROM that allows you to view video clips of patient examinations, download all of the book's illustrations, and enhance exam preparation with review questions.

Striking changes have occurred in the world since the publication of the last edition of Viral Infections of Humans. The global population is rapidly approaching 8 billion; climate change is leading to the introduction of new hosts, vectors and virus diseases heretofore never seen in many parts of the world; technological advances have revolutionized the ability to recognize and characterize viruses new and old; vaccines are altering the epidemiological landscape of the diseases they target, in some cases raising the hope of their eradication and remarkably powerful computational tools are enabling not only detection of outbreaks of disease much sooner than in the past but also, through complex mathematical modeling, more accurate prediction of their potential impact. The new Fifth Edition of Viral Infections of Humans captures the both the excitement and frustration of the dynamic struggle between humankind and the viruses that continue to cause immense suffering. It presents the latest concepts, methods and technologies in epidemiology, detection, investigation, modeling and intervention. Updated and entirely new chapters by dozens of experts across the field provide analytic summaries of current knowledge of viruses and prions causing acute syndromes, chronic illnesses and/or malignancies. In sum, this ambitiously expanded volume offers a uniquely comprehensive perspective on viruses in humans, from agents of classic diseases (e.g., hepatitis, measles, polio, rabies and yellow fever), to those with greatest pandemic impact (e.g., influenza and human immunodeficiency virus), to those discovered relatively recently (e.g., henipavirus, metapneumovirus and norovirus). The new Fifth Edition of Viral Infections of Humans is an invaluable reference for students, fellows and established professionals in the fields of microbiology, public health and infectious disease epidemiology, medicine and health policy.