Virology is truly a multifaceted discipline. Viruses have wiped out millions of human lives in the past and continue to shape our life at present. They are the kings and queens of molecular biology “tricks” and serve as powerful research tools. Understanding Viruses by Teri Shors is an undergraduate virology textbook that captures the complexity of the discipline and introduces its fundamentals in a global context. The text employs a holistic approach to content structure and delivery. First, it focuses on basic concepts of the molecular and cellular biology of viruses. Second, it discusses the principles of viral pathogenesis, and then integrates concepts with examples of key human pathogens. The text presents virology in remarkable breadth and considerable depth. It strives to excite and engage, and literally offers something for everyone: connections to medicine and public health, molecular mechanisms, coverage of viruses affecting organisms from all kingdoms, connections to environmental and social issues, travel back in time, and glimpses at the near future. While it is debatable how much of each aspect of virology an undergraduate should master, when I used the book in my virology course I found my students full of enthusiasm to explore the subject and empowered to share what they had learned.
The content of Understanding Viruses is structured in 21 chapters, each opening with an inviting photo, detailed outline and a case study, effectively setting the stage for dynamic and thorough discussion. Content is nicely broken into minitopics allowing for quick and easy review. The text is richly supported with figures, tables and graphs designed specifically for the textbook or adapted from primary literature. (A great tool to emphasize citation!) Each chapter closes with a summary of key concepts, case study questions, and extensive literature and video resources. Lastly, students are invited to visit the companion website for further information or study help.
At least one “Virus File” is associated with each chapter, presenting a relevant research problem or technique. In addition, some chapters (4, 5, 7, 10, and 13) offer a “Refresher” focusing on specific terminology and/or experimental approaches students are expected to be familiar with from prior coursework. The textbook also offers detailed “Table of Contents,” “Glossary,” and “Index.” When visiting the companion website students can find crossword puzzles and chapter outlines. Free-access articles, movies, and animations are just a click away under the “References and Resources” or the “Popular Press” tabs.
If you compare the first and second edition of the textbook you will notice that the order of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 is now switched, presenting “Virus Architecture and Nomenclature” before “Virus Replication Cycles,” which in my opinion is a more logical sequence of topics. In Chapter 5, sections on “Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Diseases” and “Working with Viruses in the Laboratory,” and Chapter 7’s “Host Resistance to Viral Infections,” are significantly updated. The photo of an undergraduate researcher at the opening page of Chapter 5 and the “Virus File 5-1” (about the controversy on the viral cause of chronic fatigue syndrome) are excellent additions and fit well with numerous connections to the process of science found in other chapters. Multiple new topics have been included throughout the book. My favorites are the H1N1 Flu outbreak of 2009 and the updates on the mimiviruses which are forcing scientists to revisit the very definition of viruses. The second edition offers numerous new “Virus Files” and case studies, along with many updates on figures and tables. As a whole it has clearly been more carefully proofread and edited.
In conclusion, Understanding Viruses is a textbook with an outstanding layout that engages students in active learning of virology fundamentals and promotes further exploration. The employed holistic approach of content structure and delivery is an excellent match for the interdisciplinary nature of virology and the challenges faced in the 21st century.