CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS! "Portrays epidemiologists as disease detectives who tirelessly hunt for clues and excel at deductive reasoning. Even Sherlock Holmes would be proud of this astute group of professionals."-Booklist This updated edition features a brand new section detailing important facts about the coronavirus and tips for keeping yourself and your family safe. Despite advances in health care, infectious microbes continue to be a formidable adversary to scientists and doctors. Vaccines and antibiotics, the mainstays of modern medicine, have not been able to conquer infectious microbes because of their amazing ability to adapt, evolve, and spread to new places. Terrorism aside, one of the greatest dangers from infectious disease we face today is from a massive outbreak of drug-resistant microbes. Deadly Outbreaks recounts the scientific adventures of a special group of intrepid individuals who investigate these outbreaks around the world and figure out how to stop them. Part homicide detective, part physician, these medical investigators must view the problem from every angle, exhausting every possible source of contamination. Any data gathered in the field must be stripped of human sorrows and carefully analyzed into hard statistics. Author Alexandra Levitt, PhD, is an expert on emerging diseases and other public health threats. Here she shares insider accounts she's collected that go behind the alarming headlines we've seen in the media: mysterious food poisonings, unexplained deaths at a children's hospital, a strange neurologic disease afflicting slaughterhouse workers, flocks of birds dropping dead out of the sky, and drug-resistant malaria running rampant in a refugee camp. Meet the resourceful investigators-doctors, veterinarians, and research scientists-and discover the truth behind these cases and more.

Busvine's introductory account of the evolutionary histories of insects and mites leads on to a fascinating study of human reactions to ectoparasites. It shows how the extent of man's curiosity about them and references to their prevalence provide a continuous commentary both on the history of biological science from Aristotle to the present day and on the modes and manners of ages past. Subjects of ribald verse, quack medicine and morbid imagination as well as literary symbols of piety, love and human insignificance, this is also the history of how medicine discovered that ectoparasites acted as transmitters for epidemic diseases.

The completion of the Plasmodium falciparum genome sequence in late 2002 heralded a new era in malaria research. The search began in earnest for new drugs and vaccines to combat malaria, a disease which afflicts up to 500 million people worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than one million people each year. The new genomic data is aiding a greater understanding of the living parasite and its interaction with the insect vector and human host. In this book internationally renowned experts provide up-to-date reviews of the most important aspects of post-genomic malaria research. Topics covered include: the P. falciparum genome and model parasites, bioinformatics and genome databases, microsatellite analysis, analysis of chromosome structure, cell cycle to RNA polymerase I and II mediated gene expression, role of the nuclear genome, the parasite surface and cell biology, and much more. The book is essential to all researchers working in this highly topical field and is recom

This book covers current aspects of important infectious diseases affecting human and animal health in Latin American countries. Readers are equipped with details on arthropod vectors as well as on neglected health problems. Diseases covered include Neglected Tropical Diseases such as Chagas Disease, schistosomiasis, tungiasis, myiasis and leishmaniasis, but also Zika and Chikungunya viral infections, plague and yellow fever. One focus is given on parasitic transmission routes. In addition, the authors describe current therapeutic options and sustainable control measures, considering both human and animal health. By highlighting options within the interdisciplinary One Health approach, they round off this work into a cutting-edge reference for diverse expert readers. Scientists and clinicians concerned on public health, entomology, tropical medicine and parasitology not only in Latin America will find this collection particularly valuable. Finally, these contributions are essential in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the targets of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in order to combat and end epidemics of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

One of the main problems concerning therapeutic tools for the treatment of parasitic diseases, including leishmaniasis, is that some field parasites are naturally resistant to the classical drugs; additionally, current therapies may select parasites prone to be resistant to the applied drugs. These features are (at least partially) responsible for the disappointing persistence of the disease and resultant deaths worldwide. This book provides a comprehensive view of the pathology of the disease itself, and of parasitic drug resistance, its molecular basis, consequences and possible treatments. Scientists both from academic fields and from the industry involved in biomedical research and drug design, will find in this book a valuable and fundamental guide that conveys the knowledge needed to understand and to improve the success in combating this disease worldwide.

This book introduces the reader to the fascinating world of parasites that cause human disease. It is written in a first-person style relating anecdotes and personal encounters of parasites by the author. It tells stories about exotic parasites diseases, interesting factoids about the life history of unusual parasites species, and strange ways in which humans can become infected. However this is also a serious topic, as there is increasing movement of populations and goods occurring in a globalized world, resulting in previously exotic parasites being brought into new regions of the world. This book about parasite infections will be of interest to business travelers and tourists alike, and the book discusses simple common sense ways to avoid them.

Produced amidst the still rippling effects of a pandemic and as the world experiences the increasing burden of global warming and a rapidly changing biosphere, the second edition of Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach offers a timely overview of the eukaryotic parasites affecting human health and the health of domestic and wild animals and plants. The book offers a broadly encompassing, integrative view of the phenomenon of parasitism and of the remarkable diversity of the world's parasites. This second edition has been thoroughly updated on all aspects of parasitism, including expanded sections on parasite biodiversity, parasite genomes, the interface between parasitology and disease ecology, and applications of new techniques like CRISPR and gene drives for parasite control. Key selling features: Emphasis on a distinctive integrative and conceptual approach rather than the taxon-by-taxon approach used in most parasitology books A concise, handy Rogues Gallery section that summarizes the basic biology for the most important eukaryotic parasites of humans and domestic animals, one a reader is repeatedly directed to throughout the chapters Outstanding full-color illustrations and photographs to reinforce key points The use of text boxes to set apart important topics or ideas that deserve special emphasis Provision of end-of-chapter summaries, questions to test understanding and key references for those wishing to seek further information Reference to particular URLs to highlight recent developments that often pose new and distinctive problems awaiting solution Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach is designed for an upper-level undergraduate audience, but its readability and careful explanation of underlying scientific concepts and terminology makes it appropriate for anyone seeking a broader understanding of the impact of infectious organisms on our well-being and the changes underway in the modern world.

This book provides an up-to-date overview on the biology of microsporidia, focusing on areas where significant progress has been made in recent years. In particular, our understanding of the evolutionary position and the role of genome reduction in the biology of these enigmatic intracellular pathogens is discussed. This book also offers important updates on the mechanisms used by these organisms to modify the host cell biology of mammals, insects, nematodes, and aquatic animals, as well as the mechanisms controlling infection and host specificity. Readers gain a detailed overview of the structure and function of the polar tube, the unique invasion apparatus of microsporidia, as well as the physics and dynamics of spore firing. Particular attention is given to chronic infections in mammals caused by microsporidia, as well as common immune responses. Written by an international team of authors representing the main research groups working on microsporidian biology, this book is a valuable resource for health management professionals, experienced microbiologists, and early career scientist alike who want to learn more about these fascinating parasites. The ideas and latest finding covered in this book contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Chapter "Impact of Genome Reduction in Microsporidia" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the biology of the planorbid snail Biomphalaria glabrata mainly as related to the snail 's role as a host of larval trematodes . This snail is of great importance in medical and economic zoology as a vector of important trematode (fluke) diseases in human and veterinary medicine and in wildlife biology. Moreover, this snail is a useful model for numerous basic studies in biology and chemistry. A book that provides modern coverage of diverse topics from the molecule to the community of this snail as related to larval trematode parasitism is not available. This book should appeal to a wide audience of biologists, ecologists, biochemists, malacologists, parasitologists, public health workers, epidemiologists, and graduate and advanced undergraduate students in biomedical and allied health sciences.

Rely on this concise, systematic introduction to the biology and epidemiology of human parasitic diseases. Explore an extensive series of photographs, line drawings, and plates that aid in the recognition of medically-relevant parasites and help to build a solid understanding of the fundamentals of diagnosis and treatment.

Apart from malaria, schistosomiasis is the most prevalent parasitic infection in the world. It affects more than 200 million people in 76 tropical and subtropical countries, causing great suffering and resulting in thousands of deaths. Written by world authorities, this book examines many aspects of the biology, pathology, and control of the schistosoma parasite. Ranging in topic from infection in Pharaonic Egypt, through DNA relationships and biological systems, to advances in development of vaccines against the parasite, this book is a comprehensive text written for researchers and medical professionals alike.

Produced amidst the still rippling effects of a pandemic and as the world experiences the increasing burden of global warming and a rapidly changing biosphere, the second edition of Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach offers a timely overview of the eukaryotic parasites affecting human health and the health of domestic and wild animals and plants. The book offers a broadly encompassing, integrative view of the phenomenon of parasitism and of the remarkable diversity of the world's parasites. This second edition has been thoroughly updated on all aspects of parasitism, including expanded sections on parasite biodiversity, parasite genomes, the interface between parasitology and disease ecology, and applications of new techniques like CRISPR and gene drives for parasite control. Key selling features: Emphasis on a distinctive integrative and conceptual approach rather than the taxon-by-taxon approach used in most parasitology books A concise, handy Rogues Gallery section that summarizes the basic biology for the most important eukaryotic parasites of humans and domestic animals, one a reader is repeatedly directed to throughout the chapters Outstanding full-color illustrations and photographs to reinforce key points The use of text boxes to set apart important topics or ideas that deserve special emphasis Provision of end-of-chapter summaries, questions to test understanding and key references for those wishing to seek further information Reference to particular URLs to highlight recent developments that often pose new and distinctive problems awaiting solution Parasitology: A Conceptual Approach is designed for an upper-level undergraduate audience, but its readability and careful explanation of underlying scientific concepts and terminology makes it appropriate for anyone seeking a broader understanding of the impact of infectious organisms on our well-being and the changes underway in the modern world.

Contents: Host Defenses. Host Defenses against Fungal Pathogens. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Diagnostic and Management Considerations in Key At Risk Patient Populations. Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. Blood and Marrow Transplant Recipients.Oncology Patients. HIV Patients. Critical Care Patients. Pediatric Patients. Clinical Presentations of Invasive Fungal Infecgtions. Clinical Manifestations of Fungal Infections. Clinical Syndromes of Major Fungal Pathogens. Invasive CandidaInfections. Invasive Aspergillus Infections. Endemic Mycoses. Emerging Pathogens. Diagnostic Methodology. Cultural and Histologic Methods. Nonivasive Diagnostic serologic and PCR Methods. Radiological Procedures. Antifungal Agents. Polyenes.Azoles. Echinocandins. Other Classes of Antifungal Agents. Drug Interactions and Specific Toxicities. Adjunctive Treatment Approaches. Treatment Strategies. Prophylaxis. Empirical Therapy of Suspected Infections. Treatment of EstablishedInfections

This is a thoroughly revised edition of a well-received reference work on helminthiases and their impact on worldwide public health. The carefully presented collection covers both common and neglected helminth infections. Readers will discover an up-date overview to helminth epidemiology (including molecular typing), specific biological, immunological and immunopathological aspects, diagnosis and latest perspectives of control. New contributions give particular attention to economic consequences of helminthiases, deworming programs and future public health approaches, as well as most recent findings in host immune responses. Helminths are long-lived multicellular organisms that have co-evolved with humans over many thousands of years. They are responsible for infections which affect around one fourth of the human population, at global level. Despite the huge efforts in research during the last years, effective control of helminth infections is still far from optimal standards and the resulting diseases remain neglected. The highly readable link of parasitological background and clinical application makes this book a valuable read not only for parasitologists but also physicians and medical students, health professionals as well as experts in public health issues. Moreover, all readers concerned with combating neglected parasitoses towards the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) will understand the significance of this renewed volume.

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

Zoonotic diseases pose a serious threat to global health and economy. Domestic and wild birds play crucial roles in transmission and spread of important zoonotic pathogens, with significant implications on human and avian health. Although zoonotic diseases have been extensively studied, information on various aspects of avian zoonotic pathogens have not been revisited or revised to any great extent. This book is a comprehensive and updated compilation of important zoonotic diseases that are transmitted by domestic and wild birds, and consists of 21 chapters that meticulously describe the (i) etiology and evolution, (ii) complex epidemiology, such as migration pathways in context of disease transmission, (iii) pathogenesis, (iv) clinical signs and necropsy findings, (v) diagnostics including latest molecular assays, and (vi) preventative and control strategies, with an emphasis on therapeutics and prophylaxis, of important zoonotic pathogens (bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral) of avian origin in humans and birds. Each chapter is aptly supported by interactive tables and figures, and features an updated reference section. This book aims to create awareness and enlighten students of veterinary and human medicine on the role of birds in zoonoses, and would serve as a useful reference for working veterinarians, human doctors, and public health experts.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases frequently found in impoverished communities in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The risk for many of the NTDs is high in both deprived urban and rural areas of East Asia. Adapted to the endemic settings and characteristics of the diseases, a range of tools and strategies are currently being rolled out for the large-scale control of many NTDs. Both vector control measures and community sensitization programmes have for example been used to control dengue in urbanized settings. Challenges posed by yaws and lymphatic filariasis are being addressed by mass drug administration, while rabies requires the involvement of the veterinary public health sector for disease control. For leprosy, an elimination target has been defined; however, achieving this goal remains a considerable challenge. Food-borne trematodiases, on the other hand, are emerging and require a deeper understanding of its burden in East Asia and how these diseases can be tackled in a cost-effective manner. Finally, factors, such as an increase of non-communicable diseases due to changing lifestyles which accompany economic growth, the spreading HIV epidemic as well as climate change and the occurrence of natural disasters can potentially affect the epidemiology and control of NTDs. This volume discusses the mentioned topics in detail with contributions by experts in the respective research areas from different working environments.

Contents:
1. Introduction to parasitology 2. Biology of parasites 3. Life-cycles and methods of invasion of hosts 4. Development and maturation of the parasite 5. The effect upon the host 6. Host response 7. Methods of escape from the host 8. Distribution and epidemiology of the parasites

The Plasmodium spp. parasite was identified as the causative agent of malaria in 1880, and the mosquito was identified as the vector in 1897. Despite subsequent efforts focused on the epidemiology, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and clinical manifestations of malaria and the Plasmodium parasite, there is still no licensed vaccine for the prevention of malaria. Physical barriers (bed nets, window screens) and chemical prevention methods (insecticides and mosquito repellents) intended to interfere with the transmission of the disease are not highly effective, and the profile of resistance of the parasite to chemoprophylactic and chemotherapeutic agents is increasing. The dawn of the new millennium has seen a resurgence of interest in the disease by government and philanthropic organizations, but we are still faced with compl- ities of the parasite, the host, and the vector, and the interactions among them. Malaria Methods and Protocols offers a comprehensive collection of protocols describing conventional and state-of-the-art techniques for the study of malaria, as well as associated theory and potential problems, written by experts in the field. The major themes reflected here include assessing the risk of infection and severity of disease, laboratory models, diagnosis and typing, molecular biology techniques, immunological techniques, cell biology techniques, and field applications.

Neurocysticercosis, a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by tapeworm, is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can cause neurologic syndromes such as epileptic seizures. Chapter One of this monograph describes the existing treatment options for neurocysticercosis, along with possible therapeutic alternatives under different drug development phases. Chapter Two explains the difficulties associated with correctly diagnosing neurocysticercosis, resulting from its varied clinical presentation, and mentions current guidelines of diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Chapter Three describes the various merits and demerits of techniques for detecting the parasites associated with neurocysticercosis, which include radioimaging, genotyping of cysts, and antibody, antigen, and nucleic acid detection in body fluids.

Based on papers presented at the XI International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria, this publication provides an authoritative evaluation of treatment and control of helminth parasite infections. A section on leprosy and a brief review of malaria vaccination are included. A comprehensive review of the history of schistosomiasis control programs presents information unavailable elsewhere. This book is of special interest to professionals concerned with health problems of less developed countries and in particular to public health officials, epidemiologists and clinicians dealing with patients in or returning from the tropics.

This new volume provides exhaustive knowledge on a wide range of natural products and holistic concepts that have provided promising in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Including the major natural therapies as well as traditional formulations, over 300 medicinal plants and 150 isolated compounds that are reported to have beneficial results in the treatment of the disease are explored in this comprehensive work. This book also acts as an important resource on various anti-inflammatory plants used to treat various inflammatory conditions of the disease.

The first in a new series created to acknowledge the explosion of knowledge in fields related to infectious disesases and clinical microbiology. Thirteen contributions focus on organisms which are of major medical importance in this country or which have contributed to an understanding of pathology.

This volume provides detailed descriptions on cutting-edge experimental methods to assess the multiple and complex interactions between T. cruzi and its host. Chapters detail a series of methods and protocols, ranging from rather classical biochemical/genetic approaches to modern, powerful and high-throughput '-omics' technologies, to tackle this issue, as well as novel techniques to improve treatment and clinical evaluation of Chagasic patients. Genome-wide mining strategies aimed at identifying potential parasite antigens and vaccine candidates and an overview on the challenges and milestones encountered during T. cruzi genome assembly are also included. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, T. cruzi Infection: Methods and Protocols aims to provide students, researchers, and clinicians who are interested in the study of Chagas disease an indispensable source of information.