Modern Parasitology: A Textbook of Parasitology, 2nd Edition

Modern Parasitology: A Textbook of Parasitology, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive introduction to the biology and study of parasites, with particular attention to parasites of human and veterinary importance. Published by Wiley-Blackwell, this thoroughly revised edition expands and updates the successful first edition to provide students with a broader understanding of parasitology from biological, medical, and applied perspectives.

The book introduces the fundamental mechanisms that allow parasites to survive, develop, interact with their hosts, and cause disease. It combines topics from biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, physiology, ecology, epidemiology, immunology, and chemotherapy, giving readers an integrated view of parasite biology and its significance in human and animal health.

About the Book

This second edition places greater emphasis on cell and molecular biology, vectors, and parasite control than the earlier edition. Its organization moves from the fundamental biology of parasites toward their interactions with hosts and environments, followed by approaches used to prevent and control parasitic diseases.

The text is designed primarily for undergraduate and beginning graduate students, while also providing useful background for students in microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, tropical medicine, zoology, biology, and public health.

Parasite Biology and Fundamental Processes

The opening chapters examine how parasites function at biological and cellular levels. Topics include parasite biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and physiology, helping readers understand the mechanisms underlying parasite survival, development, reproduction, and interaction with their hosts.

Human and Veterinary Parasitology

Particular attention is given to parasites that have importance in human and veterinary medicine. Understanding these organisms requires knowledge of both their biological characteristics and their relationships with hosts, making this section relevant to students preparing for medical, veterinary, and health-related studies.

Ecology and Epidemiology

Parasitic organisms are strongly influenced by their environments, hosts, vectors, and patterns of transmission. The book introduces the ecological and epidemiological principles that help explain how parasites are distributed and how parasitic infections spread within populations.

Parasite Immunology

The interaction between parasites and host immune defenses is an important part of parasitology. The text examines immunological aspects of parasitic infections, providing a foundation for understanding host–parasite relationships and the biological factors that influence infection and disease.

Chemotherapy and Parasite Control

The book also addresses chemotherapy and integrated parasite control, connecting parasite biology with practical approaches for managing parasitic infections. The discussion of vectors and control represents an important area of expansion in this revised edition.

Integrated Approach to Parasitology

One of the strengths of Modern Parasitology is its progression from basic biological mechanisms to ecological, immunological, therapeutic, and control-related concepts. This integrated approach allows students to see how different areas of biological science contribute to the understanding of parasitic organisms and parasitic diseases.

Who Should Use This Book?

Modern Parasitology: A Textbook of Parasitology, 2nd Edition is particularly useful for:

• Undergraduate students studying parasitology, biology, zoology, or microbiology.
• Beginning graduate students seeking a foundation in parasitic biology.
• Medical students studying human parasites and tropical medicine.
• Veterinary medicine students interested in parasites of veterinary importance.
• Students of public health and epidemiology.
• Students and learners interested in parasite ecology, immunology, chemotherapy, and control.
• Readers seeking an integrated introduction to modern parasitology.

Final Thoughts

Modern Parasitology, 2nd Edition provides a broad and structured introduction to parasitology, combining fundamental biological principles with topics of direct importance to human and veterinary health. Its coverage of molecular and cell biology, physiology, ecology, epidemiology, immunology, chemotherapy, vectors, and integrated control makes it a well-rounded textbook for students entering the field.

With its multidisciplinary approach, the book connects the biology of parasites with the practical challenges of understanding, treating, and controlling parasitic infections, making it a valuable academic reference for students across the biological and health sciences.

Book Information

Title: Modern Parasitology: A Textbook of Parasitology
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Date: December 15, 1993
Edition: 2nd
Language: English
Print Length: 292 pages
ISBN-10: 0632025859
ISBN-13: 978-0632025855
Subjects: Parasitology, human parasitology, veterinary parasitology, parasite biology, molecular biology, cell biology, parasite physiology, ecology, epidemiology, immunology, chemotherapy, vectors, and parasite control.

Modern Parasitology, 2nd Edition offers an integrated foundation in parasite biology, host interactions, epidemiology, treatment, and control for students in the biological and health sciences.