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Overview
Parasitology serves as an excellent introductory text, addressing basic concepts and principles, for those with no prior knowledge of the subject area. The book commences with thorough explanations of the terms 'parasite' and 'parasitism' before moving on to address the various types of parasite life-cycles. The characteristics of protozoa, cestode, trematode and nematode phyla are outlined with specific reference to their parasitic species. Parasites most commonly encountered by humans and domestic animals are described fully as well as the various compontents of the host's response, including pathology and immunology, to parasitic infection. The physiology and biochemistry of parasites is outlined; those parasites that causes diseases such as Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Hydatidosis are dealt with in more detail. The book concludes with a chapter on the distribution and epidemiology of parasite infections and includes discussion of the attempts at developing certain anti-parasite vaccines.Throughout the book diagrams, flow charts and tables are used to support the concepts, principles, explanations, and examples presented in the main text. The style of the book is in the form of 'notes' rather than lengthy, over-descriptive paragraphs and each chapter opens with a list of key words and concepts. and examples presented in the text.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Editorials
Booknews
Written for undergraduate students, this textbook concentrates on key concepts and principles. It covers parasite life-cycles, associated disease in livestock and humans, and possible treatments. Specific chapters discuss topics like protozoa, plathelminths, parasite examples grouped by life-cycle, host response, nutrition and biochemistry, pathological effects of the parasite upon the host, epidemiology, vaccines, and malaria. Chernin teaches biological sciences at the University of Portsmouth. (The book was announced with the title Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)From The Critics
Reviewer: Susan E. Sharp, PhD(University of Miami)Description: This book presents the topic of parasitology in a format that provides an overview of the major characteristics of parasites of man and animals without detailing each individual organism. Summaries are given throughout the text and review questions provided at the end of chapters.
Purpose: According to the editor, this book aims to cover the study of parasites at an undergraduate level for the length of a half of a semester. This book presents the main concepts of parasitology and the organisms interaction with their environment and hosts.
Audience: This book, as indicated by the editor, is written for undergraduate university students. This book would best be suited to the upper level college student who already has a good understanding of the individual parasites. The author is certainly a well known and very credible investigator of parasites and their interactions.
Features: The author provides an overview of the study of parasites with emphasis on general concepts rather than specific detail of individual parasites. Summary sections as well as review questions are provided throughout. Humans and animals are concisely portrayed in non-lifelike drawings that draw attention to the point being emphasized whether host or parasite specific. Depiction of parasites are primarily for instructional purposes and would not allow the user to adequately identify a specific organism.
Assessment: This book should be used by undergraduate or graduate students to gain a better understanding of the host-parasite interaction and the general mechanisms similar and dissimilar between parasites of known economic importance. It is not a book that will instruct in the specifics of individual organisms, their life cycles, host range, epidemiology, diagnosis or treatment thereof.
3 Stars from Doody
Book Details
Published
July 6, 2000
Publisher
Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Pages
152
ISBN
9780203132586