EVERYTHING ON HEPATITS AND HEPATITIS VIRUSES

Adrian Streinu-Cercel

In May 2009 a volume of great public interest was published. In addition to the previously mentioned title, the book includes a subtitle which further defines its contents: „Your private consultation with Prof. Dr. Adrian Streinu-Cercel. 135 questions and answers”.

This volume’s generous initiative belongs to the coordinating editor, Corina Pintilie, which, in the preface, explains how, through the browsing of various forums, she stockpiled a series of questions from patients or tutors puzzled on viral hepatitis.

In order to provide the answers, they chose the author, Prof. Dr. Adrian Streinu-Cercel, a top-of-the-line specialist in the domain and moreover a charismatic person with a remarkable talent of giving out „comprehensively all-encompassing” information.

The first chapter assembles answers regarding the anatomy and physiology of the liver and explaining the hepatitis viruses’ physiopathologic mechanisms of attack.

The following 5 chapters contain data on the 5 types of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Each of the hepatitis types comprises data on transmission, clinic and laboratory diagnosis (both acknowledged and novel tests), current treatment and prevention. This information is conveyed in a „comprehensively all-encompassing” manner (for physicians, patients, wide public) particularly regarding the „ hypocrite” B and C types of hepatitis. These chapters shed light on novelties: modern diagnostic tests (viremia, Fibroscan which can replace liver biopsy), interferon therapy, current vaccines.

The fundamental concepts synthesized by the author are completed with random patient „flash-questions”.

The volume benefits from exceptional technoredaction, color illustration for figures, algorithms and synthesis diagrams, which confer energy to communication.

The book addresses not only the general public but also students, residents, family practitioners and those without specialization in hepatology taking into account the fact that, though the answers are „comprehensively all-encompassing”, they abide by the scientific conduit and content.

For concluding his work on this volume, Prof. Adrian Streinu-Cercel was aided by Anca Streinu-Cercel and Oana Streinu-Cercel, his daughters which, in their own turn, have dedicated themselves to the medical career.

Ultimately, this volume is an absolutely remarkable accomplishment which has and further on shall constitute a great bookstore and library success.