Viral Hepatitis

Leading international virologists review the state-of-the-art in the biology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of the hepatitis viruses. The authorities writing here examine the five well-recognized hepatitis viruses, A through E, and some of the newer agents, the so-called non- A-E hepatitis viruses. They also provide in-depth discussions of the biological nature of the viruses, the pathogenesis of the acute and chronic diseases they cause, the methods and ease with which they are transmitted, and their clinical signs and symptoms. Additional topics include diagnostic tests and routine blood screening, new vaccines, and the use of interferon and antiviral drugs. Viral Hepatitis: Diagnosis, Therapy, and Prevention provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the hepatitis viruses currently available

"...a cadre of international investigators thoroughly review all aspects of these human pathogens, including available therapeutic and prevention strategies...These well-organized chapters provide an in-depth account of the current knowledge of each of these viral agents including their basic virology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and natural history, as well as the clinical features of the diseases they cause...the book is well-written and organized...[it] crystallizes in one volume a remarkable amount of information. It should be enjoyed by primary care practitioners, as well as gastroenterologists, hepatologists, [and] virologists." -Antiviral Research

"This clearly written and readable review of viral hepatitis provides useful information for family physicians interested in this protean disorder...Coverage of viral hepatitis is thorough and complete...Good-sized print and pointed chapter subheadings make the book easy to peruse or read cover to cover. Each chapter is divided into sections, allowing the reader to quickly access desired information...The clear writing style and useful content provide an effective review of biochemistry and genetics that is suitable for family physicians. The illustrations consist mainly of table and graphics offering helpful clinical information and providing clear diagnostic and prognostic clues... Dr. Specter has put together an up-to-date summary of all that is known about viral hepatitis in a highly readable book...This book is written by clinicians and researchers but clearly aimed at clinicians. It successfully provides us with distinct guidelines for thinking about viral hepatitis and its management." -American Family Physician

"...quite an improvement over similar texts published to date in this area...The text has a number of attractive features....the writing is clear and concise. Overlap, despite the multi-authored format and chapter development, has been kept to a minimum. Another positive feature is the depth with which the majority of topics are dealt. This is particularly evident in the sections dealing with the viruses themselves and their replicative cycles. For example, interested readers will be pleased to find descriptions of the hairpin structures that might participate in regulation of hepatitis C virus genome expression and the precise positions of large stem loops, which are thought to represent internal ribosomal entry sites...In summary, this textbook deals with an important and timely subject. For the virologist, the answer to many if not all questions dealing with hepatotrophic viruses can be found within its pages...a recommended purchase for virologists, hepatologists and infectious disease specialists." -Can J Infect Dis

"The chapter on hepatitis A is comprehensive...Laboratory diagnosis was clearly set out with no omissions...I found the chapter on anti viral therapy particularly helpful in its concise coverage of all appropriate therapies...this is a very useful book for clinical virologists, hepatologists, scientists researching any of the hepatitis viruses and epidemiologists with an interest in this field." -Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

"Clinical chemists and other laboratory professionals, physicians, educators, and scientists needing an update on viral hepatitis should find this book a useful, detailed, and readily accessible source of information all of the major hepatitis viruses." - Clinical Chemistry

"The general style of the book is comfortable and easy to read. It would be a useful addition to the book collections of gastroenterologists and for medical students with an interest in hepatology." -Microbiology Today