This volume provides an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the biology of
marburg- and ebolaviruses. It focuses on four essential areas: 1) ecology outbreaks and
clinical management 2) disease pathogenesis and protection 3) virus replication inside the
cell and 4) molecular tools for virus study and taxonomy. For 50 years these viruses have
spilled over sporadically and without warning from their wildlife reservoirs often causing
major outbreaks and high fatalities. The consequences can be devastating with a clear
potential for global reach as demonstrated by the 2013 West African outbreak of Ebola virus
which led to over 28 000 reported cases across three continents and more than 11 000 deaths.
Given the international threat posed by these viruses the pace and scope of basic research
have also greatly intensified ranging from studies of virus emergence epidemiology antiviral
countermeasures and human disease to detailed mechanistic studies of virus entry replication
virion assembly and protein structure. Written by internationally respected experts this book
will appeal to a wide audience and be a valuable resource for basic researchers clinicians and
advanced students alike.
