Fascinating Virology

Viruses have no analogues among other microorganisms and occupy a special place in the complex hierarchy of the animal world. They are unique in composition, scale of distribution, and are capable of causing diseases in all living things on Earth. It is astonishing how, over the past hundred or so years since their discovery, scientists have managed to unravel the complex chaos that viruses represent, learned to 'tame' these invisible entities, and turn them from enemies into friendly allies. Academician F.I. Yershov's book contains interesting information about the two main components of modern virology: the first (viruses - evil) is primarily interested in the role of viruses in the pathology of all living things (humans, animals, plants, and bacteria) and the development of ways to combat viral infections, while the second (viruses - good) explores the outstanding role of viruses in the evolution of the organic world and uses them as remarkable tools for understanding the essence of life. The book is addressed to anyone interested in viruses, medical and biological university students, high school students, biology teachers, and doctors of various specialties.