Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of febrile illnesses caused by RNA viruses from several viral families. These infectious viruses lead to a potentially lethal disease syndrome characterized by fever, malaise, vomiting, mucosal and gastrointestinal bleeding, edema, and hypotension. The four viral families known to cause VHF disease in humans naturally reside in an animal reservoir host or arthropod vector. This volume presents the most current information on each virus. It examines the fevers caused by these viruses, their mechanisms for spreading, their molecular pathogenesis, host pathogen immune interactions, and detection, treatment, and prevention.

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.