Review by Choice Review
The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) originated from Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses (SIVs) found in monkeys and great apes. As detailed in this text, thirteen distinct spillover events of genetically different viruses are known to have occurred. These viruses are classified into two groups: HIV1 and HIV2. HIV1 viruses are derived from chimpanzee SIVs in the Central African country of Cameroon; HIV2 viruses came from sooty mangabey monkeys in the West African countries of Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, 2,000 miles away. Circumstances leading to the emergence of HIVs, their adaptation to human hosts, and questions of why only some strains became epidemic or pandemic are explored by contributing authors from various historical, cultural, and anthropologic perspectives. Discussion centers on the generally recognized driving forces of urbanization, sexual practices, and widespread emergence of new (but nonsterile) medical procedures. Compared to conclusions based solely on biomedical/molecular analyses, this multidisciplinary approach offers a perspective not readily available through conventional epidemiologic paradigms. Adding another layer to ongoing investigations of the many mysteries surrounding HIV/AIDS, this multiauthored text highlights multiple potential pathways of viral spillover and continued transmission. Schneider (Indiana University--Purdue University Indianapolis) has edited an informative, well-written book that will be of considerable interest to students of epidemiology, infectious diseases, and the history of medicine. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students and faculty. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
