Reflecting the enormous advances made in the field over the past ten years, this text synthesizes the latest developments in the ecology and evolution of animal parasites against a backdrop of parallel advances in parasite systematics, biodiversity and life cycles. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of a new generation of parasitology students. Balancing traditional approaches in parasitology with modern studies in parasite ecology and evolution, the authors present basic ecological principles as a unifying framework to help students understand the complex phenomenon of parasitism. Richly illustrated with over 250 figures, the text is accompanied by case study boxes designed to help students appreciate the complexity and diversity of parasites and the scientists who study them. This unique approach, presented clearly and with a minimum of jargon and mathematical detail, encourages students from diverse backgrounds to think generally and conceptually about parasites and parasitism.

Fleas are one of the most interesting and fascinating taxa of ectoparasites. All species in this relatively small order are obligatory haematophagous (blood-feeding) parasites of higher vertebrates. This book examines how functional, ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes of host-parasite relationships are realized in this particular system. As such it provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. The book moves from basic descriptive aspects, to functional issues and finally to evolutionary explanations. It extracts several general principles that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so it appeals not only to flea biologists but also to 'mainstream' parasitologists and ecologists.

Interactions between competitors, predators and their prey have traditionally been viewed as the foundation of community structure. Parasites - long ignored in community ecology - are now recognized as playing an important part in influencing species interactions and consequently affecting ecosystem function. Parasitism can interact with other ecological drivers, resulting in both detrimental and beneficial effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Species interactions involving parasites are also key to understanding many biological invasions and emerging infectious diseases. This book bridges the gap between community ecology and epidemiology to create a wide-ranging examination of how parasites and pathogens affect all aspects of ecological communities, enabling the new generation of ecologists to include parasites as a key consideration in their studies. This comprehensive guide to a newly emerging field is of relevance to academics, practitioners and graduates in biodiversity, conservation and population management, and animal and human health.

Parasitic infections are the most prevalent of human diseases, and researchers continue to face the challenge of designing drugs to successfully counteract them. Chemotherapeutic Targets in Parasites analyzes the critical metabolic reactions and structural features essential for parasite survival, and advocates the latest molecular strategies with which to identify effective antiparasitic agents. An introduction to the early development of parasite chemotherapy is followed by an overview of biophysical techniques and genomic and proteomic analysis. Several chapters are devoted to specific types of chemotherapeutic agents and their targets in malaria, trypanosomes, leishmania and amitochondrial protists. Chapters on helminths include metabolic, neuromuscular, microtubular and tegumental targets. Emphasized throughout is the design of more selective and less toxic drugs than in the past. This up-to-date book will be especially relevant to medical and clinical researchers and to graduate students in parasitology, pharmacology, medicine, microbiology, and biochemistry.

The sea is host to most of the Earth's biodiversity. However, in the case of parasites and their hosts, little is known of the interactions among the organisms. This important volume covers many aspects of these interactions, including the co-evolution and biogeography of different marine systems, and their applied impact on commercially important host species. Topics discussed include species interactions in such well-studied systems as larval trematodes in gastropods and ectoparasites on fish. The effects of parasites in ecosystems extend to commercial, economic concerns, particularly in aquaculture. The volume presents an easy-to-read account of recent advances in this important topic.

Chemotherapeutic Targets in Parasites analyzes the critical metabolic reactions and structural features essential for parasite survival, and advocates the latest molecular strategies with which to identify effective antiparasitic agents. An introduction to the early development of parasite chemotherapy is followed by an overview of biophysical techniques and genomic and proteomic analysis. Several chapters are devoted to specific types of chemotherapeutic agents and their targets. There are sections discussing helminths; including metabolic, neuromuscular, microtubular and tegumental targets. The design of more selective and less toxic drugs is emphasized throughout.

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.

Dickson D. Despommier's vivid, visceral account of the biology, behavior, and history of parasites follows the interplay between these fascinating life forms and human society over thousands of years. Despommier focuses on long-term host-parasite associations, which have evolved to avoid or even subvert the human immune system. Some parasites do great damage to their hosts, while others have signed a kind of "peace treaty" in exchange for their long lives within them. Many parasites also practice clever survival strategies that medical scientists hope to mimic as they search for treatments for Crohn's disease, food allergies, type 1 diabetes, organ transplantation, and other medical challenges. Despommier concentrates on particularly remarkable and often highly pathogenic organisms, describing their lifecycles and the mechanisms they use to avoid elimination. He details their attack and survival plans and the nature of the illnesses they cause in general terms, enabling readers of all backgrounds to steal a glimpse into the secret work of such effective invaders. He also points to the cultural contexts in which these parasites thrive and reviews the current treatments available to defeat them. Encouraging scientists to continue to study these organisms even if their threat is largely contained, Despommier shows how closer dissection of the substances parasites produce to alter our response to them could help unravel some of our most complex medical conundrums.

Many invertebrates are serious pests of agriculture (e.g., mites and locusts), vectors of disease (e.g., mosquitoes and aquatic snails) and venomous (e.g., scorpions), whilst others are beneficial to humans as pollinators, food sources, and detritivores. Despite their obvious ecological, medical, and economic importance, this is the first comprehensive review of invertebrate diseases to be available within a single volume. Concurrent molecular and bioinformatics developments over the last decade have catalysed a renaissance in invertebrate pathology. High-throughput sequencing, handheld diagnostic kits, and the move to new technologies have rapidly increased our understanding of invertebrate diseases, generating a large volume of fundamental and applied research on the topic. An overview is now timely and this authoritative work assembles an international team of the leading specialists in the field to review the main diseases and pathologic manifestations of all the major invertebrate groups. Each chapter adopts a common plan in terms of its scope and approach to achieve a succinct and coherent synthesis. Invertebrate Pathology is aimed at graduate students and researchers in the fields of disease ecology, invertebrate biology, comparative immunology, aquaculture, fisheries, veterinary science, evolution, and conservation. It will be particularly useful for readers new to the field as well as a broader interdisciplinary audience of practitioners and resource managers.

For human health, leishmaniasis is among the most important protozoan diseases, superseded only by malaria. Globally, 10 to 12 million people are infected with 1.5 million new cases every year. The development of cheaper new drugs is urgently needed for this neglected disease that is developing resistance to current treatments. Chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for the bulk of patients. However, this is largely unaffordable for most. In the past three years numerous advances in drug discovery have been made for treating this disease by exploiting diverging metabolic pathways between the Leishmania enzymes and their hosts, using nanotechnology to target the immune cell phagolysosomes where Leishmania resides. Drug Discovery for Leishmaniasis aims to provide a perspective of the current treatments and their challenges, blended with the emerging strategies and methodologies that will drive new target appraisals and drug developments, as well as addressing the molecular basis of resistance in Leishmania. Recent studies have shown that leishmaniasis affects some of the poorest people in the world, with 95% of fatal cases occurring in only 6 countries. With the WHO goal of eliminating this public health problem in the South-east Asia Region by 2020, this book will be important for anyone who is interested in neglected tropical diseases.

Reflecting the enormous advances made in the field over the past ten years, this text synthesizes the latest developments in the ecology and evolution of animal parasites against a backdrop of parallel advances in parasite systematics, biodiversity and life cycles. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of a new generation of parasitology students. Balancing traditional approaches in parasitology with modern studies in parasite ecology and evolution, the authors present basic ecological principles as a unifying framework to help students understand the complex phenomenon of parasitism. Richly illustrated with over 250 figures, the text is accompanied by case study boxes designed to help students appreciate the complexity and diversity of parasites and the scientists who study them. This unique approach, presented clearly and with a minimum of jargon and mathematical detail, encourages students from diverse backgrounds to think generally and conceptually about parasites and parasitism.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this book brings together the current state of the art in phenotypic and rational, target-based approaches to drug discovery against pathogenic protozoa. The chapters focus particularly on virtual compounds and high throughput screening, natural products, computer-assisted drug design, structure-based drug design, mechanism of action identification, and pathway modelling. Furthermore, state-of the art "omics" technologies are described and currently studied enzymatic drug targets are discussed. Mathematical, systems biology-based approaches are introduced as new methodologies for dissecting complex aspects of pathogen survival mechanisms and for target identification. In addition, recently developed anti-parasitic agents targeting particular pathways, which serve as lead compounds for further drug development, are presented.

Birds are the most diverse group of land vertebrates and have evolved to exploit almost every terrestrial niche on earth. They also serve as a natural reservoir for an array of different pathogens that pose serious health risks to human and domestic animal populations, including West Nile virus, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, Newcastle Disease virus, and numerous enteric pathogens. Avian diseases are also critically important to the conservation of endemic bird species in many places around the world. This accessible textbook focuses on the dynamics of infectious diseases for wild avian hosts across every level of ecological hierarchy, from the way pathogens interact with the physiology and behavior of individual hosts, the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of the host-parasite interactions occurring within populations, up to the complex biotic and abiotic interactions occurring within biological communities and ecosystems. Parasite-bird interactions are also increasingly occurring in rapidly changing global environments - thus, their ecology is also changing - and this shapes the complex ways by which parasites influence the inter-connected health of birds, humans, and shared ecosystems. Given the key role of birds in ecological communities more broadly, and as the primary host to so many zoonotic pathogens, an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary principles underlying the maintenance, amplification, transmission, and dispersal of these infectious agents is crucial to understanding how to mitigate the negative global impacts of the ever-increasing number of emerging infectious diseases. Although the topics and principles discussed in this book relate to birds, they have a far wider relevance and can also be applied to non-avian, wildlife host-pathogen systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that understanding of disease ecology in wild animal populations is paramount to global health. Infectious Disease Ecology of Wild Birds is suitable for both senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in avian disease ecology, ecoimmunology, ecology, and conservation. It will also appeal to the many professional parasitologists, ecoimmunologists, ornithologists, behavioural ecologists, conservation biologists, and wildlife biologists requiring a concise overview of the topic.

Human Parasitology, Fifth Edition emphasizes a medical perspective that also incorporates functional morphology, physiology, biochemistry and immunology to enhance appreciation of the diverse implications of parasitism. Bridging the gap between classical clinical parasitology texts and traditional encyclopedic treatises, the book will not only appeal to students interested in the medical aspects of parasitology, but also those who are interested in gaining a solid foundation in the biology of parasites. This updated edition has been fully revised to integrate the most recent molecular discoveries about mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods as vectors, along with the most effective therapeutic regimens for each.

We first discussed the possibility of organizing a symposium on helminth communities in June, 1986. At that time, we were engaged in writing a joint paper on potential structuring mechanisms in helminth communities; we disagreed on a number of issues. We felt the reason for such debate was because the discipline was in a great state of flux, with many new concepts and approaches being introduced with increasing frequency. After consider able discussion about the need, scope and the inevitable limitations of such a symposium, we decided that the time was ripe to bring other ecologists, engaged in similar research, face-to-face. There were many individuals from whom to choose; we selected those who were actively publishing on helminth communities or those who had expertise in areas which we felt were particularly appropriate. We compiled a list of potential participants, contacted them and received unanimous support to organize such a symposium. Our intent was to cover several broad areas, fully recognizing that breadth negates depth (at least with a publisher's limitation on the number of pages). We felt it important to consider patterns amongst different kinds of hosts because this is where we had disagreed among ourselves."

Acanthocephalans, or spiny-headed worms, are endoparasites found in almost all marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems. They infect a huge range of definitive and intermediate hosts during their life cycles, including both vertebrates and arthropods. This volume, first published in 2006, examines the distribution and abundance of the Acanthocephala, and uses this ecological information to reveal the group's enormous survival success. It discusses how the acanthocephalans have evolved differently to all other groups of parasites, and represent a distinct and alternative pathway of parasite evolution and host parasite-interactions. Written for graduate students and researchers in parasitology, ecology and zoology or anyone interested in reading about parasite ecology and evolution.

This volume was first published in 1985. A knowledge of this phylum of parasitic worms is essential for helminthologists and instructive for all research workers investigating the principles of parasitism. Each of the chapters is written by a specialist on the biology of the Acanthocephala. Systematics, functional morphology, feeding, nutrition, metabolism, reproduction, embryology, development, epizootiology, life-history patterns and population ecology are reviewed and analysed in detail; problems for further investigation are identified. Special features of the book include a taxonomic revision and list of valid species, anatomical illustrations and extensive tables covering morphological terms, host-parasite associations, life-history parameters and reproductive biology. The three indices (parasite, author and subject) and the comprehensive list of over a thousand references help the reader to use this major source of reference on a fascinating group of parasites.

One of the most studied fields within the discipline of parasitology is immunoparasitology. The main emphasis is understanding the interaction between the host immune system and the invading parasite in order that information can be gained to aid parasite control and hence improve human health. The articles contained within this volume were produced by speakers (and their colleagues) at the 2004 British Society for Parasitology Autumn Symposium on "Subversion of immune cell signalling by parasites." Together they provide an introduction to the topic as well as detailed insights into the immune subversion mechanisms employed by eukaryotic parasites.

Blood-sucking insects transmit many of the most debilitating diseases to man including malaria, sleeping sickness, filariasis, dengue, typhus and plague. Additionally these insects cause major economic losses in agriculture by direct damage to livestock. This new edition of The Biology of Blood-Sucking in Insects has been fully updated since it was first published in 1991. It provides a unique, topic-led commentary on the biological aspects that are common to blood-sucking insects. This account focuses on the biological adaptations that clearly suit the blood-sucking habit and further discusses host-insect interactions and the transmission of parasites by blood-sucking insects. It also outlines the medical, social and economic impact of blood-sucking insects. The final chapter is designed as a useful quick-reference section. Written in a clear, concise fashion and well illustrated throughout, the text will be of direct interest to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of medical and veterinary entomology and parasitology.

Parasites are a major issue affecting animal and human health, welfare, and economic productivity. This book provides 555 questions to test your knowledge of animal and tropical parasitology, to help you study anywhere, with any amount of time. Key features: Covers the most important and the most neglected parasites in a concise manner. Questions address parasite biology, epidemiology, diagnostics and management, all in relation to animal health. Includes key zoonotic parasites and their impact on human health. Uses multiple choice questions, true or false statements, fill-in-the-blanks, and more, to enable independent learning and self-testing. Provides explanatory answers to aid further revision and study. A self-test resource for veterinary and animal science students that is also of interest to medical students interested in parasitology or zoonoses, this book provides a convenient, useful, and current source of information to anyone interested in learning, revising and assessing their knowledge in parasitology.

This introductory undergraduate textbook provides a concise, clear and affordable overview of parasite biology for students and nonspecialists, preparing them for more technical and detailed literature. Using examples from all groups of animal parasites, the text considers the various stages of a parasite's life cycle from finding hosts to surviving within the host. The author discusses the significance of damage caused by parasites and approaches to control, giving the book a well-rounded scope for those new to the subject or desiring a review of key points. A key feature of the book is its comparative rather than systematic approach. Suitable for all introductory parasitology courses in biology, zoology and human and veterinary medicine.

This introductory undergraduate textbook provides a concise, clear and affordable overview of parasite biology for students and nonspecialists, preparing them for more technical and detailed literature. Using examples from all groups of animal parasites, the text considers the various stages of a parasite's life cycle from finding hosts to surviving within the host. The author discusses the significance of damage caused by parasites and approaches to control, giving the book a well-rounded scope for those new to the subject or desiring a review of key points. A key feature of the book is its comparative rather than systematic approach. Suitable for all introductory parasitology courses in biology, zoology and human and veterinary medicine.

Parasites cause many important diseases in humans and domestic animals, malaria being an example. Parasites have evolved to exploit hosts' bodies whereas hosts have evolved immune systems to control infections. Host-parasite interactions therefore provide fascinating examples of evolutionary 'arms-races' in which the immune system plays a key role. Modern research in immunoparasitology is directed towards understanding and exploiting the capacity to develop effective anti-parasite immunity. By concentrating on selected infections where research has made significant progress, Immunity to Parasites provides a clear account of how host immune responses operate and how parasites can evade immunity. The experimental basis of this research is emphasised throughout. This completely updated second edition includes an expanded section on anti-parasite vaccines. The text is aimed at undergraduates and postgraduates with interests in either parasitology or immunology and provides introductory sections on these topics to lead the reader into the later chapters.

The third edition of this basic textbook in parasitology has been entirely rewritten, incorporating the spectacular advances made in biological sciences within recent years. The author presents students and research workers with a broad multi-disciplined approach to the morphology, ultrastructure, speciation, life cycles, biochemistry, in vitro culture and immunology of parasites. Special attention is paid to those species used as models for teaching and research as well as the major human and animal parasites. The author introduces the basics of the subject for new students as well as bringing in more advanced topics of interest to senior students and researchers. The text is illustrated with a large number of figures, tables and up-to-date reference lists. The book will appeal to all students with an interest in parasitology as well as being of interest to research workers in the field.

"I have often been asked what are the interesting questions to study in host-parasitoid biology, and this volume suggests a large number in a variety of different fields. In so doing, it will interest a wider audience than simply scientists working specifically in host-parasitoid biology. For both, however, the book will stimulate new research ideas. By looking forward, as well as reviewing the past, Parasitoid Population Biology makes for a novel, interesting, and timely addition to the field."--Howard Wilson, Biology Department, Imperial College

"The underlying rationale for "Parasitoid Population Biology"--the need to question our current understanding of parasitoid population biology--is a laudable one. The editors and contributors are recognized experts at the international level, and are at the cutting edge of parasitoid population biology research. As such, they are well placed to assess the current state of the subject. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and I expect to consult it frequently in my own research and teaching."--Mark Jervis, Cardiff University

"Hochberg and Ives have brought together a group of leading researchers to remind populations biologists of every stripe of the unparalleled opportunity that parasitoids offer for studying the integration of ecology and evolution. In no other animal group is resource acquisition (i.e., foraging for hosts) so tightly linked to reproduction (i.e., oviposition into those hosts). As the chapters of this book convincingly demonstrate, this linkage between foraging and reproducing in parasitoids leads to tractable theories that connect life history variations to population regulation and community structure in both spaceand time. Although parasitoids are not without difficulties as experimental subjects, several authors show the wealth of empirical information already available as well as point to forthcoming innovations that will make parasitoid study even more important in the near future. This book tells us where we stand vis a vis parasitoids, but more importantly, it shows us where we can go."--Arthur E. Weis, University of California, Irvine