Echinococcus and hydatid disease

Summary Hydatid disease (echinococcosis), caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is a public health and economic problem of global proportions. Treatment of this zoonotic infection usually requires major surgery and the prognosis for some forms of the disease is poor. Control efforts have had little impact globally and new foci of infection and regions of endemicity have recently been recognized. However, in addition to its medical, veterinary and economic significance, Echinococcus is an intriguing biological phenomenon. This book presents a complete synthesis of all aspects of Echinococcus and Hydatid Disease. It builds on the success of a previous volume The Biology of Echinococcus and Hydatid Diseaseby Allen & Unwin, 1986, and details the major advances that have taken place since. In addition, the scope of the book has been broadened to include genetics, evolutionary biology, epidemiology and clinical features. The overriding theme of the book is that a comprehensive understanding of the biology of Echinococcus is essential for the effective treatment and control of Hydatid Disease. The links between laboratory knowledge and field applications are emphasised throughout the book. Consequently, research workers, teachers and students of parasitology, clinicians and field workers, will find this work an indispensable source of information, but it will also provide a model for the integration of basic and applied research in parasitology

Giardia - from molecules to disease

Summary Giardiais a parasitic protozoan which is attracting considerable interest worldwide. It can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in humans and has also been reported in a number of domestic and wild mammals. This book addresses major issues and new developments concerningGiardiaand giardiasis

Cryptosporidium: From Molecules to Disease

In the relatively short period since Cryptosporidium was recognised as a human pathogen, and that it could be transmitted in water as well as directly between animals and people, it has been the subject of intense investigations. Its status as an opportunistic pathogen, especially in AIDS patients, and the lack of effective anti-cryptosporidial drugs have served to emphasise the public health importance of this organism. This has to some extent overshadowed the fact that Cryptosporidium is also an important pathogen of domestic animals and wildlife. In recent years, the application of molecular biology and culture techniques have had an enormous impact on our understanding of the aetiological agents of cryptosporidial infections and our ability to study the causative agents in the laboratory. As a consequence, a wealth of information and novel data has been produced during the last 3-4 years, particularly in the areas of taxonomy, biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology - particularly zoonotic and water borne transmission, and treatment. It is thus very timely to bring together in this book the international research community involved to review the major advances in research and identify the important research priorities for the future, thus enabling as wide an audience as possible to benefit from and share in this comprehensive look at Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis

Giardia and cryptosporidium: From molecules to diseases

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are both parasites of considerable global interest due to the gastrointestinal problems the organisms can cause in humans as well as domestic and wild animals. This book presents an overview of recent research. The chapters discuss topics from taxonomy; nomenclature and evolution to molecular epidemiology; advances in diagnostics; and zoonotic, and human and animal health issues. The book serves as a reference for researchers and students in parasitology