" . . . the motto for the therapeutics of the future will have to be de sedibus et causis pharmacorum. " P. EHRLICH, 1909 Exciting events in the basic disciplines of virology, immunology, and pharmacology continue to advance the understanding of the pathogenesis and control of virus diseases. At the same time, the rational development of antiviral agents is attracting, to an increasing extent, the interest of workers in other disciplines. Improvements in technology facilitate the definition of potential target sites for antiviral intervention and unmask new viral and host genes. The outcome is a further steady development of new antiviral agents which approach the "magic bullets" first proposed by PAUL EHRLICH. Remarkable advances in protein synthetic methods that yield polypeptides which inhibit active sites of viral proteins have aided substantially in the basic and clinical study of these antiviral agents. In addition, the extremely rapid progression in recombinant DNA techniques, leading to the synthesis of large quantities of gene products, is also increasing our opportunities at a dashing pace. New information and developing technology facilitate research on the mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of new agents. The list of clinically effective antiviral agents is expanding and the number of potentially useful compounds is growing rapidly. This book is a combined theoretical text and practical manual which, it is hoped, will be of use to all who have an interest in virus diseases, particularly scientists, physicians and graduate students.

Considerable advances have been made in the treatment of antiviral diseases over the last decade. Several new drugs have been introduced while new clinical information has been gathered on the efficacy of existing drugs. This study aims to provide an examination of the basic science (drug formulae, structure and biochemical activity) and clinical information (usage and efficacy) on chemotherapy, as well as describing future potentials.

This comprehensive account of the human herpesviruses provides an encyclopedic overview of their basic virology and clinical manifestations. This group of viruses includes human simplex type 1 and 2, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, HHV6A, 6B and 7, and varicella-zoster virus. The viral diseases and cancers they cause are significant and often recurrent. Their prevalence in the developed world accounts for a major burden of disease, and as a result there is a great deal of research into the pathophysiology of infection and immunobiology. Another important area covered within this volume concerns antiviral therapy and the development of vaccines. All these aspects are covered in depth, both scientifically and in terms of clinical guidelines for patient care. The text is illustrated generously throughout and is fully referenced to the latest research and developments.

This new work on oral complications of cancer chemotherapy is edited by two dentists who have made pioneering contributions in this previously neglected area. Their efforts have established the invaluable role of the dentist in oncologic research and cancer patient management. The editors have collected nine chapters that will be of interest to dentists and dental hygienists, oncology nurses, and all physicians treating cancer patients with chemo therapeutic agents. Background chapters on oral complications of cancer chemotherapy, the pharmacology of chemotherapeutic agents, and principles of infection management and prevention set the stage for more specific chapters focusing on prevention and treatment of chemotherapy induced oral and dental disorders. Valuable contributions to the supportive care of the cancer patient are contained in this book. A full comprehension of this book, coupled with an appreciation for advances in other areas of supportive care, such as antiemetic therapy and pain control, will allow all those involved in cancer treatment to be more successful. Peter H. Wiernik, M.D. Emil Frei, M.D.

Principles and Practice of Cancer Infectious Diseases is a comprehensive and insightful work dedicated to elucidating the problem of infections in cancer patients. This essential volume reviews common and less often encountered infections, while establishing the difficulties behind preventing, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases in cancer patients. Key sections are devoted to the presentation of clinical symptoms and the identification of major etiologic agents. A cadre of leading clinicians provide a detailed assessment of the risk factors for various infections, critical strategies in preventing and managing infections, and study of the interactions between the pathogen and host's immune function and inflammatory response. With its in-depth knowledge and concise treatment of the distinct facets of infections in cancer patients, this volume is an indispensible tool for all infectious disease specialists and clinical oncologists.

The sixth edition of this successful book encourages good prescribing habits in doctors throughout the world, by describing the basic properties of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, and discussing the principles underlying the rational use of antimicrobial agents in the management of infection.

A crucial issue for antiviral therapy is the fact that all antiviral substances rapidly select for resistance; thus, monitoring and overcoming resistance has become a most important clinical paradigm of antiviral therapy. This calls for cautious use of antiviral drugs and implementation of combination therapies. In parallel, efforts in drug discovery have to be continued to develop compounds with novel mode-of-action and activity against resistant strains. This book reviews the current status of antiviral therapy, from the roads to development of new compounds to their clinical use and cost effectiveness. Individual chapters address in more detail all available drug classes and outline new approaches currently under development.

Well-respected and widely regarded as the most comprehensive text in the field, Antibiotic and Chemotherapy, 9th Edition by Drs. Finch, Greenwood, Whitley, and Norrby, provides globally relevant coverage of all types of antimicrobial agents used in human medicine, including all antiviral, antiprotozoan and anthelminthic agents. Comprehensively updated to include new FDA and EMEA regulations, this edition keeps you current with brand-new information about antiretroviral agents and HIV, superficial and mucocutaneous myscoses and systemic infections, management of the immunocompromised patient, treatment of antimicrobial resistance, plus coverage of new anti-sepsis agents and host/microbe modulators. Reference is easy thanks to a unique 3-part structure covering general aspects of treatment; reviews of every agent; and details of treatments of particular infections. Offer the best possible care and information to your patients about the increasing problem of multi-drug resistance and the wide range of new antiviral therapies now available for the treatment of HIV and other viral infections. Stay current with 21 new chapters including the latest information on superficial and mucocutaneous mycoses, systemic infections, anti-retroviral agents, and HIV. Get fresh perspectives and insights thanks to 21 newly-authored and extensively re-written chapters. Easily access information thanks to a unique 3-part structure covering general aspects of treatment; reviews of every agent; and details of treatments of particular infections. Apply the latest treatments for anti-microbial organisms such as MRSA, and multi-drug resistant forms of TB, malaria and gonorrhea. Keep up on the latest FDA and EMEA regulations.

Fenner and White's Medical Virology, Fifth Edition provides an integrated view of related sciences, from cell biology, to medical epidemiology and human social behavior. The perspective represented by this book, that of medical virology as an infectious disease science, is meant to provide a starting point, an anchor, for those who must relate the subject to clinical practice, public health practice, scholarly research, and other endeavors. The book presents detailed exposition on the properties of viruses, how viruses replicate, and how viruses cause disease. These chapters are then followed by an overview of the principles of diagnosis, epidemiology, and how virus infections can be controlled. The first section concludes with a discussion on emergence and attempts to predict the next major public health challenges. These form a guide for delving into the specific diseases of interest to the reader as described in Part II. This lucid and concise, yet comprehensive, text is admirably suited to the needs of not only advanced students of science and medicine, but also postgraduate students, teachers, and research workers in all areas of virology. - Features updated and expanded coverage of pathogenesis and immunity - Contains the latest laboratory diagnostic methods - Provides insights into clinical features of human viral disease, vaccines, chemotherapy, epidemiology, and control

Viral Polymerases: Structures, Functions and Roles as Antiviral Drug Targets presents in-depth study information on the structure and functions of polymerases and their roles in the lifecycle of viruses, and as drug targets. Viral polymerases constitute a vital component in the lifecycle of many viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, influenza virus, and several others. They are essentially required for the replication of viruses. Thus, the polymerases that can be found in viruses (called viral polymerases) represent favorable targets for the design and development of antiviral drugs. - Provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage on virus infections, the virus lifecycle, and mechanisms of polymerase inhibition - Analyzes the structure-activity relationships of inhibitors of each viral polymerase - Presents a consistent and comprehensive coverage of all aspects of viral polymerases, including structure, function and their role as antiviral drug targets