Main description:

Viral hemorrhagic fevers have captured the imagination of the public and made their way into popular books and movies by virtue of their extreme virulence and mysterious origins. Since 2001, concerns have grown about the potential use of many hemorrhagic fever viruses as biological weapons. This has led to a resurgence in research to develop improved diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics-both for biodefense purposes and to treat naturally exposed persons. Written by international experts, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers represents a major contribution to the virological literature and updates the state of knowledge of these dangerous illnesses.

Topics include:

A historical perspective and information on pathogenesis and immune responses

Animal models, which are critical to the development of vaccines and therapeutics

The roles of high-containment facilities and specially trained scientists in research

Prevention and control, including diagnostics and vaccine development

Old World Lassa and Lujo viruses and the New World Junin and Machupo viruses

Guanarito viruses and their cellular receptors

Bunyaviruses, including Rift Valley Fever, Crimean- Congo hemorrhagic fever, and hantaviruses that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

The Ebola and Marburg filoviruses

Flaviviruses, including dengue fever, yellow fever, Kyanasur Forest, Alkhurma, and Omsk hemorrhagic fever viruses and other flaviviruses with hemorrhagic potential

Virologists, clinicians, biomedical researchers, microbiologists, and others needing a rapid overview of the nature of these illnesses will find this book an essential resource on clinical and basic science aspects of many viral hemorrhagic fevers. The book will also provide researchers with a springboard to further inquiry in combating what has become a major global threat.

Contents:

General Aspects. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: History and Definitions. General Disease Pathology in Filoviral and Arenaviral Infections. Interaction of the Host Immune System with Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses. Vascular Endothelium and Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses. Vascular Endothelial Dysfunctions: Viral Attack and Immunological Defense. Animal Models of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Role of Rodents and Bats in Human Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Biosafety Issues and Clinical Management of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infections. BSL4 Workforce Preparedness in Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreaks. Major Strategies for Prevention and Control of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Practical Considerations for Collection and Transportation of Hemorrhagic Fever Samples. Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Vaccine Research Efforts for Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses. Specific Infections. Pathogenic Old World Arenaviruses. Lassa Fever. Lujo Virus Hemorrhagic Fever. Receptor Determinants of Zoonosis and Pathogenesis of New World Hemorrhagic Fever Arenaviruses. Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever. Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever. "Venezuelan" Hemorrhagic Fever. Rift Valley Fever Virus and Hemorrhagic Fever. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome. Infection. Marburg Virus Disease. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Yellow Fever Virus Infection. Kyasanur Forest Disease. Alkhurma Virus Hemorrhagic Fever. Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever. Index.