Virology: Principles and Applications is a clear and accessible introduction to this fast-moving field, providing a comprehensive resource enabling the reader to understand the key concepts surrounding this exciting subject. The reader is introduced to the principles of virus structure, replication and genetics, along with the theories behind the origins of viruses and how they are evolving. Taking a modern approach to the subject, the relevance of virology to everyday life is clearly emphasised and discussions of emerging viruses, cancer, vaccines, anti-viral drugs and gene vectors are included. There is also a chapter on prions. To enhance student understanding, learning outcomes, sources of further information and ‘at-a-glance’ sections are integrated into in each chapter, reinforcing key concepts. Illustrated in full colour throughout, extensive use is made of clear diagrams that include standard colour coding for different types of molecule enabling students to grasp difficult concepts and deal with the level of detail in the subject. Virology: Principles and Applications is an invaluable text for students of biology, microbiology, molecular biology and biomedical sciences taking courses in virology.

Viruses and their importance -- Methods used in virology -- Virus structure -- Virus transmission -- Attachment and entry of viruses into cells -- Transcription, translation and transport -- Virus genome replication -- Assembly and exit of virions from cells -- Outcomes of infection for the host -- Classification and nomenclature of viruses -- Herpesviruses (and other dsDNA viruses) -- Paroviruses (and other ssDNA viruses) -- Reoviruses (and other dsRNA viruses) -- Picornaviruses (and other plus-strand RNA viruses) -- Rhabdoviruses (and other minus-strand RNA viruses) -- Retroviruses -- Human immunodeficiency viruses -- Hepadnaviruses (and other reverse-transcribing DNA viruses) -- Bacterial viruses -- Origins and evolution of viruses -- Emerging viruses -- Viruses and cancer -- Survival of infectivity -- Virus vaccines -- Anti-viral drugs -- Prions.