The fourth edition of the Encyclopedia of Virology represents a major transformation in how virology is presented as a scientific and medical discipline. Rather than following a strictly alphabetical structure, this edition adopts a thematic approach that better reflects the complexity and interconnection of modern virology. The content is organized into five comprehensive volumes: Fundamentals of Virology, Human and Animal Viruses, Plant Viruses, Viruses of Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Algae, and Invertebrates, and Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Viral Infections.
This edition was developed during a period when virology gained unprecedented global attention. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, highlighted the critical role of virology in public health, clinical medicine, and global preparedness. What was once a highly specialized field rapidly became central to everyday life, underscoring the importance of understanding viral transmission, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and prevention strategies.
Over the past decade, virology has advanced at an extraordinary pace. Significant progress has been made in basic viral research, virus discovery, molecular diagnostics, antiviral therapies, and vaccine development. This encyclopedia reflects these developments and provides updated scientific knowledge for a broad audience, including physicians, medical students, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as journalists and readers with an interest in infectious diseases.
Pandemic viruses have become a major concern in an increasingly interconnected world. Rising population density, environmental changes, and human activity have contributed to the emergence and re-emergence of viral diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic not only demonstrated the devastating health impact of viral outbreaks but also revealed their profound social and economic consequences, reinforcing the necessity of sustained research and education in virology.
This reference work integrates all major branches of virology into a unified resource. It includes detailed chapters on viral origin, evolution, and emergence; environmental and ecological virology; epidemiology; laboratory techniques; viral structure and replication; genome organization; assembly and release; viral taxonomy; and virus–host interactions. The encyclopedia covers viruses infecting bacteria, fungi, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, providing a truly comprehensive overview of known viral diversity.
Additional sections focus on antiviral drug classifications, clinical applications, diagnostic assays, vaccine development, and preventive strategies. The economic impact of viral diseases on agriculture and food security, along with methods for their control, is also addressed, making this work valuable not only in clinical medicine but also in public health and applied biological sciences.
Viral classification in this edition follows the Ninth Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Although subsequent updates were released later, readers are directed to official online resources for the most current taxonomic information.
The Encyclopedia of Virology serves as an essential medical and scientific reference, offering authoritative and up-to-date knowledge for professionals and students seeking a deeper understanding of viruses and their impact on human health and society.
