Book review: Viruses (a very short introduction)

This is a timely book which considers the origins, history, diversity and modes of action of viruses. The book has been written by Professor Dorothy H. Crawford (University of Edinburgh), whose current research focus is the Epstein-Barr virus. Viruses are, if one stands back and thinks about it, quite mysterious, "inert" particles of genetic material (called virions) which "hijack" living cells and cause widespread changes. A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Crawford's book presents an interesting overview of what she terms the "virusphere" in describing the different ways in which viruses can cause harm. Most useful is the epidemiology of HIV, SARS and avian influenza, presented as an historical overview and tracing the scientific and social impact of such diseases to the present. Examples of human diseases caused by viruses include the common cold, influenza, chickenpox, cold sores, ebola, AIDS, avian influenza and SARS. The most thought-provoking thing is the way in which viruses have become ever more sophisticated, being able to target different segments within the human population and in developing ways to defeat the human immune system.