Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Volume 14) (Perspectives in Medical Virology, Volume 14)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was first identified half a century ago in 1956. Following its discovery, the virus soon became recognised as a major viral pathogen causing extensive outbreaks of respiratory tract infections in both the very young and in vulnerable adults. It is an unusual virus in that it can cause repeated reinfections throughout life. The topics covered within this volume are wide ranging in scope from the most basic molecular biology of the virus to the clinical picture of RSV in the developing world. The internationally recognised experts were invited not only to review the present state of knowledge but also to give their perspective on the current situation and to identify the gaps and future requirements for research in an effort to stimulate new cross-cutting approaches to tackle this major viral pathogen. Content: Preface Pages vii-viii Molecular Biology of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Review Article Pages 1-42 José A. Melero Immunology of RSV Review Article Pages 43-88 Geraldine Taylor Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution of RSV Review Article Pages 89-114 Patricia Cane Genetic Susceptibility to RSV Disease Review Article Pages 115-140 Jeremy Hull Pathogenesis of RSV in Children Review Article Pages 141-162 Stephen P. Brearey, Rosalind L. Smyth RSV Infection in Elderly Adults Review Article Pages 163-182 Yoshihiko Murata, Ann R. Falsey Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Burden in the Developing World Review Article Pages 183-232 D. James Nokes Vaccines against Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Review Article Pages 233-278 Peter L. Collins, Brian R. Murphy Development of Antivirals against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Review Article Pages 279-298 Kenneth L. Powell, Dagmar Alber Pneumonia Virus of Mice Review Article Pages 299-320 Andrew J. Easton, Joseph B. Domachowske, Helene F. Rosenberg Colour Section Pages 321-330 List of Contributors Pages 331-334 Index Pages 335-340 Respiratory Syncytial Virus provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of RSV from the most basic molecular biology of the virus to the clinical picture of RSV in the developing world. Written by leading researchers in the field, this book aims to stimulate cross-cutting approaches to tackle this major viral pathogen. It discusses the molecular biology and immunology of the virus, the molecular epidemiology and the influence of host genetics. It also examines the clinical picture of RSV in children, the elderly and in the developing world and reviews the current status of interventions against RSV, covering vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The final chapter describes recent progress with a model virus for RSV namely pneumonia virus of mice. Key Features: Reviews the present state of knowledge of RSV, Includes the authors' own perspectives on the current situation, Identifies the gaps and future requirements for research. Respiratory Syncytial Virus will be an invaluable reference for virologists, epidemiologists, clinical scientists and public health physicians.