Avian influenza.

9783805585019

Avian influenza.

Ed. by H.-D. Klenk et al.

S. Karger, AG

2008

292 pages

$249.00

Hardcover

Monographs in virology; v.27

SF995

Klenk (virology, Phillips University, Marburg, Germany), Stech (Friedrish-Loeffler-Institute, Germany), and Matrosovich (virology, Phillips University, Marburg, Germany) have assembled articles covering the development, transmission, and prevention of this complex virus. Some give information on the appearance of avian influenza in different areas of the world, beginning in 1889; several articles describe the biology involved; and one notes that the avian virus connects with a milder type that may already be in the host's body, to form a new, more powerful virus. Using reverse genetic engineering, scientists have discovered that the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed fifty million people worldwide was a form of this virus. Studies indicate that, like smallpox, immunity can be achieved either through an early mild case or vaccination. The information presented in this comprehensive and important work is technical, intended for biologists and medical researchers. Policy makers and the public would be well served by a similarly serious presentation in lay terms.

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