Virus

August 1, 2016

Structured much like a traditional field guide, this book explores and catalogs viruses rather than birds or wildflowers. It begins with a general overview before moving on to provide descriptions of particular viruses. Roossinck (virus ecology, Pennsylvania State Univ.; Plant Virus Evolution) offers a definition of the term virus, a brief history of virology, and information about key scientists who contributed to current understanding of the field. The author discusses the seven types of viruses and details how they replicate, regulate, and package themselves for export to new cells or hosts. The bulk of the work is devoted to covering 101 selected contagions, organized by the kind of living thing they infect: humans, vertebrate animals, plants, invertebrate animals (insects and crustaceans), fungi, and bacteria. A page is allocated to each entry and is chock-full of material ranging from facts about the genome (how many nucleotides it contains and the number of proteins it encodes) to the symptoms the virus produces in the host and its global footprint. Striking images of enlarged bacteria lend an artistic quality to the scientific content presented. VERDICT A visually appealing resource that will be useful for virologists while simultaneously appealing to the layperson curious about the fascinating and vital role these organisms play in the ecosystem.--Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's Sch., Brooklyn

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
With the Zika virus on the front page of newspapers worldwide, a book that explains what viruses are is very timely. This brief guide by a professor of virus ecology at Pennsylvania State University provides an accessible overview. These mysterious organisms are not even cells. They are bits of DNA or RNA in a protein coat that invade cells and take them over. Many cause diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and influenza. Some are actually important parts of their hosts' lives. The book begins with a history and time line of virology and a discussion of the life cycle of the major classes of virus. Profiles of 101 viruses follow, each with a color illustration. The profiles are grouped by host: human, vertebrates, plants, invertebrates, fungi, bacteria, and archaea. The profiles are one page long and include the name, order, family, genus, genome, geography, hosts, diseases, mode of transmission, and vaccine. A short paragraph discusses relevant historical facts and the role of the virus in diseases, ecosystems, and so forth. A glossary, resource list, and index provide further information. This is a very useful resource suitable for school, public, and undergraduate libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)