Human Herpesviruses


Book Description

This comprehensive account of the human herpesviruses provides an encyclopedic overview of their basic virology and clinical manifestations. This group of viruses includes human simplex type 1 and 2, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, HHV6A, 6B and 7, and varicella-zoster virus. The viral diseases and cancers they cause are significant and often recurrent. Their prevalence in the developed world accounts for a major burden of disease, and as a result there is a great deal of research into the pathophysiology of infection and immunobiology. Another important area covered within this volume concerns antiviral therapy and the development of vaccines. All these aspects are covered in depth, both scientifically and in terms of clinical guidelines for patient care. The text is illustrated generously throughout and is fully referenced to the latest research and developments.




Varicella-zoster Virus


Book Description

This book offers a comprehensive review of basic and clinical research on Varicella-zoster Virus, the only human herpesvirus for which vaccines to prevent both primary and recurrent infection are approved.




Clinical Use of Antiviral Drugs


Book Description

Antiviral chemotherapy has come of age, and, after an initial slow pro gress, the development of new antiviral agents has proceeded at a more rapid pace and the perspectives for their clinical use have increased considerably. Now, 25 years after the first antiviral assay (idoxuridine) was introduced in the clinic, it is fitting to commemorate the beginning of the antivirals' era. In its introductory chapter B.E. Juel-Jensen touches on what may be con sidered as five of the most fundamental requirements of an antiviral drug : efficacy, relative non-toxicity, easy solubility, ready availability and rea sonable cost. Surely, the antiviral drugs that have so far been used in the clinic could still be improved upon as one or more of these five essential demands are concerned. How is all began is narrated by W.H. Prusoff. The first antiviral drugs to be used in humans were methisazone and idoxuridine, the former, which is now of archival interest, in the prevention of smallpox, the latter, which was approved for clinical use in the United States in 1962, for the topical treatment of herpetic keratitis. In terms of potency, also because of solubility reasons, idoxuridine has been superseded by trifluridine in the topical treatment of herpes simplex epithelial keratitis. H.E. Kaufman did not find trifluridine or acyclovir ef fective in the treatment of deep stromal keratitis or iritis and he reckons that other antiviral drugs (i.e. bromovinyldeoxyuridine) would not be effec tive either.




Fields Virology: Emerging Viruses


Book Description

Now in four convenient volumes, Field’s Virology remains the most authoritative reference in this fast-changing field, providing definitive coverage of virology, including virus biology as well as replication and medical aspects of specific virus families. This volume of Field’s Virology: Emerging Viruses, 7th Edition covers recent changes in emerging viruses, providing new or extensively revised chapters that reflect these advances in this dynamic field.




Clinical Management of Herpes Viruses


Book Description

Much has been said about managing herpesvirus infections since the discovery of acyclovir more than 15 years ago. This book aims to bring practical advice to the key clinician who is faced with managing these infections. It addresses questions like: there are antiviral treatments for many of these infections, but who should be getting these drugs and who should not? What are the advantages, if any, of the new drugs over the old ones? Which patients should be targeted for intervention? What is the clinical reality of antiviral resistance? Where do the up and coming vaccines fit into the picture? When should therapy be discontinued or reassessed? How are patients presenting other than chorioretinitis in AIDS or pneumonitis in transplantation? The contributing clinician scientists deal with these questions and many more. Listed by Biological Abstracts/RRM, BIOSIS, volume 48, issue 8, August 1995 Covered by Current Contents, Life Sciences (ISI), volume 39, no. 2, Januari 1996, p. 12




Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia


Book Description

This work brings together knowledge about the pain of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. The volume aims to expand knowledge not only of this specialized syndrome, but of every kind of chronic pain. It deals with all the basic scientific information on the acute and chronic stages of herpes zoster, as well as knowledge of all the possible treatments for this terrible affliction. A variety of treatment modalities are described, and more people are now obtaining relief than was thought possible a decade ago. research, leading to a more thorough understanding of the problems and to pain relief for those who continue to suffer.




Atlas of Geriatric Dermatology


Book Description

This is a comprehensive, practical, densely illustrated diagnostic and therapeutic guide for all geriatric dermatology providers. The book comprises 50 chapters and over 600 color photographs on topics ranging from common conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis to unusual conditions such as angiosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Sections include: - Inflammatory conditions (including contact dermatitis, alopecia, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, porphyria, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrhea, urticaria, xerosis, and more) - Infections (fungus, herpes simplex and zoster, scabies, lice, and warts) - Skin signs in systemic disease (skin tags, cutaneous metastases, xanthomas) - Regional dermatoses (intertrigo, leg ulcers, pressure sores) - Benign tumors (chondrodermatitis, cysts, ganglion, fibrous papule, seborrheic keratoses, lentigines, and benign vascular lesions) - Pre-malignant and malignant tumors (actinic keratoses, angiosarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, intraepidermal neoplasia, Kaposi's sarcoma, keratoacanthoma, lentigo maligna, cutaneous lymphoma, Mycosis fiungoides, melanoma, nevi and moles, and squamous cell carcinoma)




Chemotherapy of Viral Infections


Book Description

" . . . the motto for the therapeutics of the future will have to be de sedibus et causis pharmacorum. " P. EHRLICH, 1909 Exciting events in the basic disciplines of virology, immunology, and pharmacology continue to advance the understanding of the pathogenesis and control of virus diseases. At the same time, the rational development of antiviral agents is attracting, to an increasing extent, the interest of workers in other disciplines. Improvements in technology facilitate the definition of potential target sites for antiviral intervention and unmask new viral and host genes. The outcome is a further steady development of new antiviral agents which approach the "magic bullets" first proposed by PAUL EHRLICH. Remarkable advances in protein synthetic methods that yield polypeptides which inhibit active sites of viral proteins have aided substantially in the basic and clinical study of these antiviral agents. In addition, the extremely rapid progression in recombinant DNA techniques, leading to the synthesis of large quantities of gene products, is also increasing our opportunities at a dashing pace. New information and developing technology facilitate research on the mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of new agents. The list of clinically effective antiviral agents is expanding and the number of potentially useful compounds is growing rapidly. This book is a combined theoretical text and practical manual which, it is hoped, will be of use to all who have an interest in virus diseases, particularly scientists, physicians and graduate students.




CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases


Book Description

Get problem-oriented and disease-specific guidance in treating STDs-in one quick-access source Featuring the trusted, practical format of the CURRENT series, this authoritative, quick-access guide delivers a top-to-bottom overview of STDs commonly encountered in clinical practice. The book begins with an insightful introduction to the field that emphasizes the patient-doctor relationship, and then explores clinical problems with STDs in terms of diagnostic, management, and treatment considerations. Features A-to-Z, up-to-the-minute coverage of common STDs-filled with crucial point-of-care guidelines A focus on prevention interventions, including counseling, in recognition of the need to change high-risk sexual behaviors Practical diagnostic algorithms that summarize key protocols and facilitate patient management Detailed, easy-to-locate treatment tables that list specific drugs (generic and trade names), doses, and schedules A thought-provoking final chapter that includes a brief discussion of the latest STD research, plus unresolved questions and future concerns Useful appendices that include diagnostic protocols, treatment tables, and websites for further information Authoritative, on-the-spot information you can quickly apply to your practice - without sifting through pages of data An essential clinical companion for internists, family physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, obstetricians-gynecologists, HIV care specialists, and other healthcare professionals who see patients with STDs Turn to any chapter on specific STDs, and you'll find expert perspectives on biology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and issues related to special populations




Persistent Viral Infections


Book Description

Persistent Viral Infections Edited by Rafi Ahmed Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, USA and Irvin S. Y. Chen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA During the past decade much of our attention has focused on diseases associated with viral persistence. Major breakthroughs in immunology, and the advent of molecular approaches to study pathogenesis have increased our understanding of the complex virus-host interactions that occur during viral persistence. Persistent Viral Infections focuses on: * The pathogenesis and immunology of chronic infections * Animal models that provide, or have the potential to provide, major insights This volume will be essential reading for virologists, immunologists, oncologists and neurologists.