Chapter 67 : Introduction

Abstract:

This is the introductory chapter to the section Viral Diseases. The reliance on molecular techniques has expanded significantly; they have come into common usage for numerous virus infections. In addition, the number of viral agents recognized to have an etiologic role in human infections continues to expand. As we continue to develop new vaccines, antiviral drugs, more sophisticated technologies to detect viruses more rapidly, and better reagents, we have increased our reliance on the diagnostic laboratory. The major pathogenic virus chapters have all been updated and there is considerable useful information on the latest developments in direct detection methods for viruses. Rapid viral diagnosis, using a combination of direct detection, serology, cell culture, and molecular diagnostics, is now a reality for most virus diseases. This section provides an overview of the standards for viral diagnostics as well as the latest developments in the discipline.