Review by Booklist Review
Goudsmit has worked with HIV for some 25 years and recounts not only some of his research but his theory of the beginnings of the virus and AIDS. Some of the theory is hypothetical (e.g., the chapter on monkey mummies), but much is solid science. Goudsmit shows how the various types and subtypes of the extended family of HIVs have developed in monkeys, other primates, and humans; he presents this material both chronologically and geographically. Among the most interesting aspects of this exposition are considerations of why certain HIV subtypes become more virulent than others, of the roles and effects of the viral load, of the length of symptom-free periods before AIDS becomes apparent, and of the route of infection. Goudsmit writes clearly and argues logically. Although some may be put off by the detail of Goudsmit's argument, those seriously interested in AIDS may find it basic for some time to come. --William Beatty
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Where did the AIDS viruses come from? Will we ever have a vaccine against them? What are the chances of still more, similar viruses appearing? These momentous questions are the subject of this book by a leading researcher on HIV and chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Aids Vaccine Initiative. Goudsmit provides evidence for some very interesting contentions, including the presence of an earlier form of an HIV virus in Europe as long ago as 1939 and the ability of non-HIV retroviruses to cause AIDS-like disease under the right conditions. Goudsmit explains that an important factor in the evolution of new, potentially deadly strains is the ability of retroviruses, including HIV, to reproduce sexually, producing recombinant offspring more dangerous than either parent. Goudsmit believes that the best hope for an AIDS vaccine lies in finding or creating a live virus conferring immunity to present HIV strains without causing disease. Although clearly written, this book is technical and sometimes speculative, but it provides important information on the past and future of AIDS. For academic and larger public libraries.Marit MacArthur, Auraria Lib., Denver (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An articulate, engaging explanation of what scientists now know about HIV and how the spread of AIDS might be controlled, from a leading AIDS researcher. Viral sex, explains Goudsmit (Human Retrovirology/Univ. of Amsterdam, The Netherlands), is the ability of retroviruses such as HIV to reproduce sexually and thereby produce recombinant offspring that possess completely new characteristics, ones that enable them to compete and spread in a hostile world. This ability also raises the frightening possibility that HIV could mate with tumor viruses, specifically T-cell leukemia/lymphoma viruses, producing as offspring a new strain of retrovirus that causes both cancer and AIDS. Besides explaining HIV's complex inner workings, Goudsmit traces its family history back to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in African monkeys and finds even more ancient roots in various nonprimates, such as cats. Viruses spread into any host that permits them to enter and replicate, and it is when they jump to a new host, as SIV did when becoming HIV, that recombinations are most likely to occur. Of course, Goudsmit points out, a recombination could produce a relatively harmless strain of HIV, but there's no evidence of this happening. Somehow, he says, we must manipulate the virus to push its evolution in the right direction. Meanwhile, he contends, we have the means to develop safe and effective vaccines. One interesting possibility he cites is putting a vaccine into food, thus facilitating delivery in the world's poorest and most threatened countries. Even if HIV is tamed or effective vaccines are developed, however, we are not home free. Goudsmit warns that there's a reservoir of microbes in monkeys and other rainforest animals that could pose an even greater threat in the future if we continue to disturb their environment. Alternately alarming and reassuring, but always engrossing. (35 photos, 9 linecuts)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
