Overview of Lassa Virus and Lassa Fever

This volume provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the various aspects of Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever, a frequently fatal zoonotic disease endemic to West Africa. Compiled by world-leading experts in the field, this book provides an introduction to the 50-year history of Lassa fever research, the genetic diversity of LASV, and its geographic distribution.

Subsequent chapters focus on the ecology and epidemiology of LASV, discussing in-depth the interactions of the virus with its hosts - multimammate mice and other rodents - and the interactions between these animal reservoirs and humans. The book also details the many advances in understanding the structural biology and replication of LASV, including new insights into the structure and function of its proteins.

These advances in the basic understanding of LASV biology have enabled the development of LASV countermeasures, including sensitive and specific diagnostic assays. Promising drug candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines are also discussed. A final and essential chapter addresses current and future clinical practice for clinical management of Lassa fever.