F. E. G. Cox - Böcker

Edited by F.E.G. Cox, Derek Wakelin, Stephen H. Gillespie and Dickson D. Despommier. Parasitic infections present a major challenge to the health and well being of several billions of people across the world. Political unrest, natural disasters, the migrations of huge populations and the spread of HIV infections have added to already serious problems by increasing global parasite burdens. Increasingly it is becoming clear that interactions between parasites and other infectious agents can aggravate disease. Against this backdrop, progress is being made in the containment of many parasitic infections and there is optimism that some of the diseases that have plagued humans for centuries may be eradicated. Hopes for the future revolve around the application of modern molecular, genetic and immunological science, linked to the systematic use of evidence-based control methods. All these themes and more run through the chapters in this volume. Parasitology has been thoroughly revised and updated for the tenth edition of Topley & Wilson’s Microbiology and Microbial Infections to include all newly identified parasites and emerging diseases. Through discussion of the general aspects of parasitology and detailed reviews of specific organisms (grouped under protozoa and helminths) the volume provides an authoritative survey of current knowledge of parasitic organisms and the human diseases to which they give rise, what their effects are and ways in which they can be controlled, not only now, but also in the future. The comprehensive coverage includes the basic science that underlies disease transmission and progression, the classification and identification of the organisms concerned, and the epidemiology and treatment of the diseases caused. Parasitology is an invaluable companion for infectious disease specialists, pathologists, parasitologists and all others working in this increasingly important field.

Humans and animals are frequently infected with at least one species of parasite and most also harbour other parasites or infectious agents. The interactions between these agents are often subtle and ignored by parasitologists, ecologists and immunologists. This volume explores these interactions in detail, with particular emphasis on their immunological and ecological aspects. There are also contributions on parasitic infections and AIDS and the problems of treating patients with multiple infections. This volume will be of interest to parasitologists, clinicians, veterinarians, immunologists, ecologists and anyone else dealing with parasitic, viral or bacterial infections in the laboratory or in the field.

This is a thorough revision and update of the highly successful first edition, which which achieved sales in excess of 4,500. The text serves as a comprehensive introduction to parasitology for both undergraduate and beginning graduate students. In this edition, particular emphasis is placed on parasites of human and veterinary importance. The first three chapters in the text are concerned with how parasites 'work,' their biochemistry, molecular and cell biology and physiology. The remaining chapters cover ecology and epidemiology, immunology and chemotherapy, with the final chapter covering integrated control. This new edition contains new material on cell and molecular biology, vectors and control, which is in contrast to the general biological approach of the first edition. The second edition will succeed the first as the major text on parasitology for students in biology, zoology, microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, tropical medicine and public health.