Archives of Virology publishes original contributions from all branches of research on viruses virus-like agents and virus infections of humans animals plants insects and bacteria. Coverage includes the broadest spectrum of topics from initial descriptions of newly discovered viruses to studies of virus structure composition and genetics to studies of virus interactions with host cells host organisms and host populations. Multidisciplinary studies are particularly welcome as are studies employing molecular biologic molecular genetics and modern immunologic and epidemiologic approaches. For example studies on the molecular pathogenesis pathophysiology and genetics of virus infections in individual hosts and studies on the molecular epidemiology of virus infections in populations are encouraged. Studies involving applied research such as diagnostic technology development monoclonal antibody panel development vaccine devleopment and antiviral drug development are also encouraged. However such studies are often better presented in the context of a specific application or as they bear upon general principles of interest to many virologists. In all cases it is the quality of the research work its significance and its originality which will decide acceptability.