Antiviral Drugs

The book "Antiviral Drugs" by John S. Driscoll provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, development, and clinical applications of antiviral medications. Here is a detailed summary of the book's content and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Mechanisms of Infection and Replication:

   • Chapter 1 summarizes the general mechanisms of infection and replication for different classes of microorganisms, with a focus on RNA and DNA viruses. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of how viruses infect and replicate within host cells.

2. Discovery and Development of Antiviral Drugs:

   • Chapter 2 delves into the discovery and development process of antiviral drugs. This information is particularly useful for scientists and clinicians entering the field, offering insights into the research and development processes.

3. Clinical Applications of Antiviral Drugs:

   • Chapter 3 is the most comprehensive section of the book, detailing 72 antiviral drugs currently used in clinical practice. Each drug is summarized, including its mode of administration, mode of action, and antiviral activity. This chapter provides extensive information on the viral targets for intervention with antiviral drugs, making it a valuable resource for practitioners.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into three chapters:

1. Chapter 1: This chapter sets the stage by explaining the basic mechanisms of viral infection and replication. It covers the characteristics of RNA and DNA viruses, providing a foundational understanding of how viruses interact with host cells.
2. Chapter 2: This chapter focuses on the discovery and development of antiviral drugs. It offers insights into the research and development processes, making it particularly helpful for those entering the field of antiviral therapy.
3. Chapter 3: This chapter is the most detailed section, focusing on 72 antiviral drugs used in clinical practice. Each drug is thoroughly described, including its mode of administration, mode of action, and antiviral activity.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage of antiviral drugs. Here are some key points from the critical reception:

• Rob Schuurman’s Review:

  • The book review by Rob Schuurman, published in Sage Journals, highlights the book's comprehensive nature. Schuurman notes that Chapter 3, which focuses on 72 antiviral drugs, is particularly valuable for its detailed summaries of each drug, including their administration methods, modes of action, and antiviral activities.
  • Schuurman also praises the book for its usefulness to both scientists and clinicians, emphasizing that it provides essential information for those entering the field of antiviral therapy.

• Publication Details:

  • The book was published in 2002 by Ashgate, and its ISBN is 9780566083105.

Conclusion

"Antiviral Drugs" by John S. Driscoll is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of the mechanisms, development, and clinical applications of antiviral medications. Its comprehensive coverage makes it a valuable resource for both scientists and clinicians working in the field of antiviral therapy. The book's detailed summaries of 72 antiviral drugs and its insightful chapters on the discovery and development process make it an essential read for anyone interested in antiviral medicine.