Studies in Viral Ecology

This new edition of the leading resource in the field, now available in a single comprehensive volume

The field of viral ecology defines and explains the ecology of viruses by examining viral interactions with both their hosting and vectoring species plus considers the vehicles such as air, water and solid surfaces by which viruses often accomplish transfer between their hosts and vectors. The authors detail how, in recent years, new discoveries and technologies have helped researchers better understand the interlocking relationships that exist between the ecologies of viruses, their hosts, alternate hosts and vectors.

Now in its second edition, Studies in Viral Ecology explores the intricate interactions between viruses and other organisms from a “virocentric” perspective. Divided into five sections, the book opens with a thorough introduction to the ecology of all viruses, followed by detailed examinations that individually consider the viruses of other microorganisms, viruses of vascular plants, and viruses of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. The chapters have been written by leading scientists in their respective research fields and cover topics such as the evolution of fungal viruses, viruses affecting insects, viruses of terrestrial and marine mammals, and the relationship between humans, their viruses, and prions. Edited by one of the pioneers in viral ecology, this authoritative resource:

• Examines the interactive dynamics of viruses with their hosting species from an organismal biology approach
• Highlights the ways viral infections overlap the ecologies of their involved host and vectoring species
• Discusses viral ecology concepts as they apply across the spectrum of plant and animal host systems
• Covers the different transmission cycles that viruses have evolved to access new types of hosts
• Condenses and updates chapters from the previous two volumes into a single volume, making it more easily accessible for users

Studies in Viral Ecology, Second Edition remains required reading for virologists and virology instructors and students who study the interactions between virus and host at the individual species and higher taxonomic levels.