An Introduction to Parasitology

by Bernard E. Matthews

Overview

This introductory undergraduate textbook provides a concise, clear and affordable overview of parasite biology for students and nonspecialists, preparing them for more technical and detailed literature. Using examples from all groups of animal parasites, the text considers the various stages of a parasite's life cycle from finding hosts to surviving within the host. The author discusses the significance of damage caused by parasites and approaches to control, giving the book a well-rounded scope for those new to the subject or desiring a review of key points. A key feature of the book is its comparative rather than systematic approach. Suitable for all introductory parasitology courses in biology, zoology and human and veterinary medicine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521571708
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/07/1998
Series:	Studies in Biology
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.59(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. The spectrum of animal-animal associations; 2. Parasites; 3. From host to host; 4. Getting settled; 5. At home with the host; 6. The host's response; 7. Damaging effects of parasites; 8. Problems of parasite control; Further reading; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Professor Matthews is very successful in achieving his stated aims. The book does provide the reader with the basic concepts needed for further in-depth study of parasitology. Technical terms are bold in the text, and are defined in a excellent glossary at the end...This excellent introductory textbook is suitable for parasitology courses in biology, zoology, and human and veterinary medicine. For students who might be interested in medical parasitology, this book provides and excellent introduction to principles, concepts, and terminology of this subject." Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases

"The real value of the text is its integrated, comparative approach to problems encountered by all parasites. It offers an effective and interesting alternative format to the systematic march through phyla that has been the mainstay of parasitology courses...The text is short, reads well, and includes understandable diagrams, clear illustrations, and relevant examples..." Proscience

"The reading of this book becomes fascinating, since throughout the pages one discovers all of the variety, complexity, and great adaptability of the parasitic world. It reads like a novel and presents a certain interest for the inexperienced, as well as the field specialist. The author provides the reader with the basic terms and general principles of parasitology that are mandatory for the consultation of more specialized reference books...easy to read and tinted with a touch of humor. To sum up, this book shows an original presentation and is very accessible." The Canadian Veterinary Journal

From the Publisher