Continuous genetic variation and selection of virus subpopulations in the course of RNA virus replications are intimately related to viral disease mechanisms. The central topics of this volume are the origins of the quasispecies concept, and the implications of quasispecies dynamics for viral populations.
Focusing on genetic variability, this book examines early evidence related to rhabdoviruses. It details the differences found in the genomes of closely related virus strains and highlights the variability present within individual strains. The analysis provides insights into the evolutionary aspects and potential implications for understanding these viruses.
Focusing on virus replication, this book explores the fundamental characteristics that influence the diverse biological behaviors and genetic makeup of various viruses. It delves into the intricate processes of how viruses reproduce and the implications of these processes on their evolution and interaction with hosts.
Composition, Complexity, Dynamics, and Biological Implications
Exploring the intricate world of viruses, this book delves into their population dynamics, composition, and complexity. It examines how viral populations evolve and interact within ecosystems, shedding light on their biological implications. The text emphasizes the significance of understanding viral behavior in the context of health, disease, and environmental changes, making it a crucial resource for researchers and students interested in virology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
This volume brings together recent developments in quasispecies theory extended to variable environments and practical applications in elucidating viral dynamics and treatment designs. In particular, the existence of an error threshold in rugged fitness landscapes has opened the way to a new antiviral strategy termed lethal mutagenesis, which is now under intensive theoretical, experimental and clinical investigation. As such the book explains how an understanding of quasispecies dynamics within infected organisms has increased our knowledge of viral disease events. From a clinical perspective, population dynamics highlights important problems for viral disease control, such as the selection of drug-resistant mutants that often accompanies treatment failures, and suggests means of increasing the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. The book is intended for students and scientists interested in basic and applied aspects of biophysics, chemistry, biology, evolution and medical virology.