Viruses are disarmingly small and simple, the cause of both the common cold and flu. Nevertheless, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone, before it was eradicated in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and hanta virus have caused great public concern. In this book, Crawford describes all of the aspects of the natural history of these deadly parasites, explaining how they differ from other micro-organisms. She looks at the havoc viruses have wreaked in the past, how they evolve, and the detective work involved in uncovering them and in devising vaccines. Finally she considers whether a new virus could emerge which might wipe out the human race. -- From the publisher.

Bugs, germs, and microbes -- New viruses or old adversaries in new guises? -- Coughs and sneezes spread diseases -- Unlike love, herpes is forever -- Viruses and cancer -- Searching for a cure.