AIDS and HIV in Perspective: A Guide to Understanding the Virus and its Consequences [Hardcover]

Barry D. Schoub (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052162150X | ISBN-13: 978-0521621502 | Publication Date: June 13, 1999 | Edition: 2

This new edition of Dr. Schoub's informative and lucid account brings the reader up to date on the current understanding of the natural history of HIV infection, new approaches to management of infection and disease, and improvements in diagnostic capabilities. This book, aimed at the general reader, bridges the gap between specialist science literature and basic educational material available to the general public. Helpful and informative diagrams are adeptly utilized to explain the basic biology of the HIV virus and the immune system that it so lethally undermines. As well as exploring the complex social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding infection, Schoub looks ahead to the prospects for a vaccine. This volume is a valuable handbook for all those in search of a better understanding of HIV infection and its consequences.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Schoub, director of the National Institute of Virology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in South Africa, acknowledges that in many respects the AIDS epidemic has been a humbling experience for medical science. Calling it the most formidable of all diseases in human history, he says that while it falls short of the Black Plague, which wiped out a quarter of Europe's population during the Middle Ages, and the Spanish influenza pandemic, which killed more than 20 million people at the end of WW I, AIDS will undoubtedly be recorded as one of the greatest sicknesses to afflict humankind. Well-researched, easy to understand, Schoub's book outlines in detail the discovery of the disease and several hypotheses about why it might have festered. Chapters assess AIDS transmission, testing, treatments and their shortcomings, progress with an AIDS vaccine, and ethical issues concerning AIDS. Although there may not be much new information here for people awaiting breakthroughs in AIDS research and treatment, educators and the lay public will appreciate Schoub's sensible examination of an epidemic. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Well-researched, easy to understand, Schoub's book outlines in detail the discovery of the disease and several hypotheses about why it might have festered." Publishers Weekly

"...recommended as an attractive, readable, and non-controversial guide. Coverage by the author, a South African virologist, is comprehensive, and his views on the disease in developing countries are particularly useful." British Medical Journal

"The book is well written, very readable, and includes many interesting and multifaceted discussions of the AIDS problem..." Quarterly Review of Biology

"...a lucid and informative account to bring the reader up to date on the major advances in the current understanding of HIV infection and its control. [Schoub] uses clear language and helpful diagrams to explain the basic biology of HIV and of the immune system as a whole." Choice

"This excellent book had outstanding reviews when its first edition was published. This second edition provides up to date information on the major advances of HIV infection and its control. It uses clear language and descriptive diagrams to explain the basic biology of the HIV virus and the immune system that it so lethally undermines. The outstanding value of this book is the way it has bridged the gap between the scientific literature and the public educational materials that are now available...This is a highly recommended book for all libraries." AIDS Book Review Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (June 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052162150X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521621502
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,317,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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