Human Parasites From Organisms To Molecular Biology

Why does the World Health Organization (WHO) put emphasis on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)? What are the NTDs? Are NTDs found in the United States? Is there any relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and NTDs? These are some of the questions being addressed in the book.The aim of this textbook is to introduce a modern synthesis on human parasites of medical importance. Species of parasitic protozoa and helminths are presented in detail, from history and discovery to aspects of genomes and molecular biology, together with life cycle, therapy, drug resistance, and case studies of parasitic diseases useful to the clinicians.

In the past years, genome projects for numerous human parasites have been completed and now allow first in depth comparisons and evolutionary conclusions. The genomes of parasites reflect the coevolution with their host, metabolic capacities depending on their respective habitat in the host. Gut parasites usually have an anaerobic metabolism, while blood parasites have an aerobic metabolism, intracellular parasites escape the immune system, while extracellular parasites evade the immune system, usually by antigenic variation. Comprehensive genome data now being available allow us to address profound scientific questions, such as which traits enable the parasite to survive in the human host, which to cause disease and which can be used as drug targets. This book intends to give an overview of the state of knowledge on “the molecules” of protozoan parasites – on their genomes, proteomes, glycomes and lipidomes.

From the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory--an up-to-date survey of molecular and immunological approaches to the study of parasites responsible for human disease. These concise, provocative essays present empirical findings and personal accounts and critically review current models and theories. Chapters are divided into three sections: the biology of parasites and parasitic disease; parasite immunology; and parasite molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. The contributors do not always present the same viewpoint, which makes for lively reading.

A valuable, new source, Molecular Medical Parasitology is the only text of its kind -- one that applies broad concepts and current scientific advances from both molecular biology and biochemistry to the study of parasitic organisms. An internationally renowned team of scientists and physicians places parasites in their broad biological contexts while still emphasizing the specifics that differentiate these organisms. Not only will researchers and faculty in parasitology find this an indispensable guide, physicians will benefit from the thorough coverage molecular biology and biochemistry's current influences on treatment and management of parasitic diseases. Features the most up-to-date scientific methods behind the medical management of parasitic diseases Applies the most current synthesis of molecular biology and biochemistry to parasitic organisms Contains many informative figures and clear illustrations

This heavily illustrated text teaches parasitology from a biological perspective. It combines classical descriptive biology of parasites with modern cell and molecular biology approaches, and also addresses parasite evolution and ecology. Parasites found in mammals, non-mammalian vertebrates, and invertebrates are systematically treated, incorporating the latest knowledge about their cell and molecular biology. In doing so, it greatly extends classical parasitology textbooks and prepares the reader for a career in basic and applied parasitology.

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.

The study of parasitic organisms at the molecular level has yielded fascinating new insights of great medical, social, and economical importance, and has pointed the way for the treatment and prevention of the diseases they cause. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Parasites presents an up-to-date account of this modern scientific discipline in a manner that allows and encourages the reader to place the biochemistry and molecular biology of these organisms in their biological context. The chapters are cross-referenced and grouped in an arrangement that provides a fully integrated whole, and permits the reader to create a composite of the biochemical function of these organisms. Individual chapter includes those devoted to metabolism, in both aerobic and anaerobic protozoa; antioxidant mechanisms; parasite surfaces; organelles; invasion mechanisms; and chemotherapy. The helminths are discussed not only from the point of view of their cellular biochemistry and metabolism, but also with respect to both their integrated functions such as neurochemistry, structure and functions of surfaces, and reproduction. Written by expert investigators, this book will be of interest to all experienced researchers, graduate students, and to the newcomer eager to become familiar with the biochemistry and molecular biology of parasites.

Parasitology Highly detailed textbook on parasites and parasite relationships The fully revised edition of Parasitology: An Integrated Approach holds true to its engaging and easy-to-read approach. It comprehensively covers the complex and dynamic interaction between the parasite and its host ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. Following an integrated approach, the authors explain how the study of parasites requires an understanding of biological concepts such as growth and reproduction, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and pathology. In this second edition, they further address parasites and parasite relationships in the grand scheme of global changes and their impact. This textbook also reviews the often-neglected positive aspects of parasite infections and how humans have used parasites for their own advantage. Parasitology: An Integrated Approach, 2nd edition includes supplementary learning resources such as self-assessment quizzes, practical exercises, and an extensive collection of photographs. Now includes parasite life cycles in colour Strong focus on parasite interactions with other pathogens such as bacteria and viruses Discusses major advancements in the field of parasite diagnostics Additional image material and learning resources (quizzes, practical exercises) provided online A valuable and comprehensive learning resource for undergraduate students in the biological, biomedical and veterinary sciences and in medicine. It is also of interest to postgraduates and professionals with an interest including but not limited to parasitology, animal welfare, ecology, and medical microbiology.