Immunobiology Of Parasites And Parasitic Infections

The phenomena involved in infections of man and domestic animals with metazoan or protozoan parasites present formidable practical problems as well as a theoretical challenge to immunologists, molecular biologists, and evolu tionary biologists. With respect to the public health and economic problems, malaria, for example, remains a major health problem with approximately 200 million people being infected yearly and, on the basis of World Health Organiza tion estimates, more than 1 million children die each year of malaria infections (Chapter 4). This volume addresses state-of-the-art immunologic approaches to the development of vaccines for parasitic diseases (Chapter 9) and analyses of studies bearing on the antigenic characterization of protozoan and metazoan parasites (Chapters 4, 5, and 7), on investigations of the role of precise mecha nisms underlying natural resistance or non permissiveness of the host to parasitic infections (Chapters 1, 2, and 12), on induced mechanisms including the genera tion of parasite-specific T-cell lines and clones (Chapter 6), and on the generation of monoclonal antibodies (Chapters 4 and 5) to parasite antigens of distinct de velopmental stages. Great progress has been made in characterizing parasite antigens capable of inducing a protective response in the vaccinated host; further progress in this area strongly depends on biochemistry and molecular biology with the long-term goal of synthesizing such antigens chemically or producing them by means of recombinant DNA technology (Chapter 4).

Parasitic infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. Often endemic in developing countries many parasitic diseases are neglected in terms of research funding and much remains to be understood about parasites and the interactions they have with the immune system. This book examines current knowledge about immune responses to parasitic infections affecting humans, including interactions that occur during co-infections, and how immune responses may be manipulated to develop therapeutic interventions against parasitic infection. For easy reference, the most commonly studied parasites are examined in individual chapters written by investigators at the forefront of their field. An overview of the immune system, as well as introductions to protozoan and helminth parasites, is included to guide background reading. A historical perspective of the field of immunoparasitology acknowledges the contributions of investigators who have been instrumental in developing this field of research.

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.

Featuring the work of several world authorities, this volume places primary emphasis on the mechanism of parasite produced changes in the immune response (i.e. immunosuppression). The text covers parasitic diseases on which the World Health Organization has aggressively promoted research through its Program on Research and Training In Tropical Diseases. Chapters cover parasitic diseases such as malaria, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease), African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis. Also included are discussions of toxoplasmosis and amebiasis. The material is drawn from the body of literature that has been rapidly accumulating for the last 15 years. An important feature of this text is that the contributors first outline existing knowledge about the immunology of each infection, thereby enabling the reader to more easily appreciate why and how the immunological alterations that accompany a disease are important, and then, to review the postulated mechanisms for such alterations. Consequently, the impact that each parasitic infection has on the immune system is always described in the "heart" of each chapter rather than at the beginning.

This book provides an interesting and up-to-date overview of Parasite Immunology in terms of a survival battle between hosts and parasites, describing firstly how parasites interact with different B cell compartments and trigger a vigorous antibody response. An Interesting chapter deals with new insights into immune diagnosis in Trypanosoma cruzi infection, while another chapter on malaria vaccines critically reviews their development since the beginning, examining the basis for failures or successes encountered in clinical trials. Chapters on immunological aspects of amoebiasis, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis in humans are written by top researchers in the world working in this field. This book should prove to be of interest to researchers and students wishing to familiarize themselves with the latest developments in this field. Therefore, this book is considered essential for all researchers involved in Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Vaccine design and discovery.

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.