The field of parasitology has seen tremendous progress in the last two to three decades with the advent of molecular biology and its application to the study of parasites. This has opened up new vistas in the understanding of the taxonomy, pathogenesis, and immunological mechanisms of many parasites, along with the design of improved diagnostic tests and application of molecular epidemiology in tracking and controlling these diseases. Parija's Immunologic Diagnostics in Parasitology: Principles, Techniques, and Applications is an attempt to cover the existing information along with newer findings so that up-to-date information can be condensed into one book.The book has been divided into three parts. Part I deals with the background of immunological techniques including history, principles, sample collection and specimen processing, as well as quality assurance of these tests. Part II covers detailed discussion on the important existing immunological test formats along with step-by-step descriptions for development of experimental or in-house tests. Part III includes chapters on recent tests gaining importance like point-of-care tests and immuno-PCR. The book includes four appendices covering design of a serological laboratory, commerical suppliers of immunodiagnostic kits for parasitic diseases, a list of suppliers for biologicals, chemicals, and labware, and the Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology guidelines for parasitic disease diagnoses.Parija's Immunologic Diagnostics in Parasitology: Principles, Techniques, and Applications is an effort to inform and engage a wide spectrum of audience members, including postgraduate or doctoral students and faculty members across the medical and veterinary sciences disciplines. The text is intended both as a textbook and a procedure handbook.
