Parasitology serves as an excellent introductory text, addressing basic concepts and principles, for those with no prior knowledge of the subject area. The book commences with thorough explanations of the terms 'parasite' and 'parasitism' before moving on to address the various types of parasite life-cycles. The characteristics of protozoa, cestode, trematode and nematode phyla are outlined with specific reference to their parasitic species. Parasites most commonly encountered by humans and domestic animals are described fully as well as the various compontents of the host's response, including pathology and immunology, to parasitic infection. The physiology and biochemistry of parasites is outlined; those parasites that causes diseases such as Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Hydatidosis are dealt with in more detail. The book concludes with a chapter on the distribution and epidemiology of parasite infections and includes discussion of the attempts at developing certain anti-parasite vaccines.
Throughout the book diagrams, flow charts and tables are used to support the concepts, principles, explanations, and examples presented in the main text. The style of the book is in the form of 'notes' rather than lengthy, over-descriptive paragraphs and each chapter opens with a list of key words and concepts. and examples presented in the text.