Parasitic Helminths And Zoonoses In Africa

Helminths include one of the most diverse and geographically widespread groups of parasites which infect humans and animals. About 100 species have been reported from humans, usually producing asymptomatic infection or mild symptoms. However, about 20 species are of public health importance causing severe or even fatal infections. In many parts of Africa parasitic helminths are responsible for enormous economic losses, hampering rural development programmes and reducing the pace of economic growth. Many parasitic helminths are either zoonoses (diseases naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and man) or have evolved from animal parasites. The modification of the environment through wars, famine and the ever expanding and increasingly mobile human population brings people into close contact with new environments and wildlife species which makes the study and control of zoonoses of special interest and complexity. In Africa, the transmission of helminth parasites is highly influenced by the ever changing social and cultural differences between diverse groups of peoples and their interaction with wild and domestic animals. It is not surprising, therefore, that approaches to the study and control of parasitic zoonoses require intersectoral cooperation between physicians, veterinarians, parasitologists, zoologists, demographers, anthropologists, engineers and economists to provide the breadth of knowledge and expertise required to develop our understanding of these diseases and to devise methods for their control. This book provides a selective compilation of parasitic helminths, many of which are zoonoses which create important economic and public health problems in Africa.

This book provides updated information on helminth infections, with proposals for new treatments and biological factors of risk, the development of vaccines for the control of helminthiasis and explains the latest research on the field. It also delves into multi-omics, diagnosis, immunology, and novel molecule targets. In addition, the book examines topics such as host-parasite interaction. Key Features: • Provides basic and clinical evidence based on molecular interactions to address the risks and benefits of helminthiasis • Presents the results of new vaccine development • Discusses new and old therapeutic approaches in helminth infections • Delves into advances in the molecular and immune response in helminth infection • Proposes a One Health approach to study helminth infections • Analyzes the controversies and confusions in the management, biology, and control strategies of helminth infections • Examines the basic biology of helminth parasites

The book “Parasitic Zoonoses” emphasizes a veterinary and public health perspective of zoonotic parasites. This book is suitable for higher undergraduate and graduate students of zoonoses and public health, veterinary parasitology, parasite epidemiology; public health workers; public health veterinarians; field veterinarians, medical professionals and all others interested in the subject. More than 15 protozoa and 50 other parasitic diseases are zoonotic in nature and all these diseases have been discussed in detail. The first chapter is concerned with classification of zoonotic parasites, food borne, vector borne and occupation related zoonotic parasites. The remaining chapters cover etiology, epidemiology, life cycle, transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention and control of zoonotic parasites. The text is illustrated with a large number of coloured figures. An alphabetical bibliography for every disease has also been included so that readers have access to further information.

This book is a collection of chapters around the theme of parasitology and zoonosis in bot war and peace and the impact of these fields on public health. Individual experts have contributed reviews, novel research, and case series within the field to make a broad and interesting collection designed to stimulate thought and discussion in this area. The collection is dedicated to the life and career of Emeritus Professor John Marsden Goldsmid, an eminent parasitologist and advocate for further attention to these above listed fields of medicine. It would be suitable for medical and veterinary practitioners, students, scientists, and epidemiologists with an interest in parasitology and public health.

3 vols also available separately. Contents: Vol. 1 Bacterioses and mycoses (2001, ISBN 927511580X); Vol. 2 Chlamydioses, rickettsioses and viroses (2003, ISBN 927519929); Vol. 3 Parasitoses (2003, ISBN 9275919928)

Zoonotic diseases constitute a public health problem throughout the world. Addressing a little studied area of veterinary and medical science, this book covers the viruses, bacteria and protozoan and helminth parasites that are transmitted between man and dogs, discussing population management, control disease agents and human-dog relationships. Fully updated throughout, this new edition also includes two new chapters on benefits of the human-dog relationship and non-infectious disease issues with dogs. It is a valuable resource for researchers and students of veterinary and human medicine, microbiology, parasitology and public health.

This report provides a review and analysis of the research landscape for zoonoses and marginalized infections which affect poor populations, and a list of research priorities to support disease control. The work is the output of the disease reference group on zoonoses and marginalized infectious diseases (DRG6), which is part of an independent think tank of international experts, established and funded by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), to identify key research priorities through the review of research evidence and input from stakeholder consultations. The report covers a diverse range of diseases including zoonotic helminth protozoa, viral and bacterial infections considered to be neglected and associated with poverty. Disease-specific research issues were elaborated under individual disease sections and many common priorities were readily identified among the disease such as need for new and/or improved drugs and regimens, diagnostics and, where appropriate, vaccines. The disease specific priorities are described as micro priorities compared with the macro level priorities which will drive such policies as the need for improved surveillance; the need for inter-sectoral interaction between health, livestock, agriculture, natural resources and wildlife in tackling the zoonotic diseases; and the need for a true assessment of the burden of the zoonoses. This is one of ten disease and thematic reference group reports that have come out of the TDR Think Tank, all of which have contributed to the development of the Global Report for Research on Infectious Diseases of Poverty.