Arboviruses

Book excerpt: Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are the causative agents of significant morbidity and mortality among humans and domestic animals globally. They are maintained in complex biological life cycles, involving a primary vertebrate host and a primary arthropod vector. While all known arboviruses are zoonotic pathogens, their emergence as human pathogens is associated with dramatic increases of human population growth leading to uncontrolled urbanization, changes in land and water use, changes in agricultural practices, new irrigation systems and deforestation. This book brings together a panel of expert arbovirologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly expanding arbovirus research literature. In addition authors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: taxonomy, genome organization, virus-host and virus-vector interactions, evolutionary history, role of vertical transmission in arbovirus maintenance and evolution, epidemiology, arbovirus replication, pathogenesis, arbovirus diagnostics and control, including vaccines, novel anti-viral drugs, RNA interference and genetically modified vectors. Essential reading for every arbovirologist and highly recommended for all virologists and public health officials. [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science, Arbovirology, Virology, Taxonomy, Epidemiology]