Genetic Diversity of RNA Viruses

This volume comprises 14 reviews of various areas of RNA virology, including the standard RNA viruses (riboviruses), retroviruses and the facts and principles underlying their diversity and evolution.

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The high mutation frequencies, population heterogeneity and rapid evolution potential of RNA viruses make them a prime object for investigation by virologists, immunologists and molecular biologists. This high level of interest is reflected in this volume, which contains 14 reviews of various areas of RNA virology. Standard RNA viruses (riboviruses) and retroviruses are reviewed, and facts and principles underlying their diversity and evolution are discussed. RNA virus mutation, population structure and rapid evolution (or paradoxical stasis) are examined in detail for a number of different RNA viruses. The problems created by the unusual genetics of RNA viruses are discusses: AIDS pathogenesis, antigenic change and vaccine problems, resistance to antiviral drugs and origins of influenza outbreaks.