Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens

The first in a series of four books, this comprehensive work details the molecular detection of major human viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Focusing on sample preparation and molecular detection procedures, each chapter presents a concise review of the pathogen concerned including its taxonomy, biology, epidemiology and pathogenesis; a description of clinical sample collection preparation procedures; a summary of molecular detection methods; representative molecular detection protocols; and a discussion on the challenges, limitations, and advantages for the current methods as well as further research required to improve diagnosis.

Despite being recognized and fought against over countless centuries, human viral pathogens continue to cause major public health problems worldwide—killing millions of people and costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity each year. With contributions from specialists in their respective areas of viral pathogen research, Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens provides a reliable reference on molecular detection and identification of major human viral pathogens.

Each chapter briefly reviews the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of one related viral pathogen or a group of them. The clinical sample collection and preparation procedures are outlined, and a selection of representative stepwise molecular detection protocols is covered. The chapters conclude with a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis.

With its judicious selection of streamlined, ready-to-use protocols for major human viral pathogens—including commercial kits—Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens is an indispensable tool for medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists involved in virus determination.