During Bad Bugs Bookclub meetings, scientists and non-scientists discuss novels in which infectious disease forms part of the plot in order to encourage public understanding of, and engagement with, microbiology. The website presents meeting reports and reading guides for over 70 novels. The aim of this work was to raise awareness of the bookclub and increase website engagement. In 2019, events designed to reach new audiences maintained an increase in page views from the end of 2018 (around 200 per month). In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced bookclub meetings online (Zoom). These, with podcasts and some Twitter discussion, increased page views with a peak of 400 per month. Membership increased, and global ‘attendance’ was facilitated. Feelings and observations related to each book and the pandemic were noted in meeting reports. A survey of current and previous bookclub members carried out early in lockdown with the aim of determining the future direction of the bookclub revealed the continuing value of both literary and scientific experiences to members. The bookclub has engaged scientists and non-scientists in meaningful discussion about infectious disease. Reach is modest, but the resource is significant, with potential impact in education and engagement.

中文翻译：

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用小说吸引传染病观众：冠状病毒大流行对参加坏虫书俱乐部的影响

在 Bad Bugs Bookclub 会议上，科学家和非科学家讨论以传染病为情节的小说，以鼓励公众对微生物学的理解和参与。该网站提供会议报告和 70 多部小说的阅读指南。这项工作的目的是提高对书友会的认识并增加网站参与度。2019 年，旨在吸引新受众的活动的页面浏览量从 2018 年底开始保持增长（每月约 200 次）。2020 年，冠状病毒大流行迫使在线书友聚会（Zoom）。这些，加上播客和一些 Twitter 讨论，增加了每月 400 次的页面浏览量。会员人数增加，并促进了全球“参与”。会议报告中记录了与每本书和大流行相关的感受和观察。在锁定初期对当前和以前的书友会成员进行的一项调查旨在确定书友会的未来方向，揭示了文学和科学经验对会员的持续价值。书友会邀请科学家和非科学家参与有关传染病的有意义的讨论。覆盖面不大，但资源丰富，对教育和参与具有潜在影响。