Clinical Virology in Oral Medicine and Dentistry

Viruses and viral infections are of increasing importance in oral medicine and dentistry, whether through association with particular orofacial diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients, or in terms of cross-infection. Clinical practice, however, has frequently failed to adapt to the major advances in recent years in the understanding of the molecular biology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of viral infections. This highly illustrated reference text bridges the gap between the research laboratory and the clinic. It provides a foundation for the understanding of relevant virology by the student or graduate in dentistry and the dental sciences. Following an overview of basic human virology, including immunology and molecular biology, the clinical aspects of viral infections are considered with particular reference to oral lesions. For each virus, the clinical features, diagnosis, management and potential for cross-infection are discussed. The final section of the book covers orofacial diseases for which there is only a tentative viral aetiology. A comprehensive bibliography is integrated with the text for ease of reference. This book is therefore an essential text for undergraduate and postgraduate dental students. It will also serve practitioners and research workers in oral virology and immunology, as a comprehensive and up-to-date source of information and ideas relating to virology in dental practice.