Anaerobic parasitic protozoa cause medically and economically important diseases such as dysentery, sexually transmitted infections, and gastroenteritis that affect millions of people worldwide annually. Recently the genomes of the three key anaerobic protozoa, Trichomonas, Giardia and Entamoeba, have been determined. The availability of these genomic data and the use of post-genomic analyses have provided fascinating new insights into the biology of these important parasites. They will be important for the design of novel anti-protozoan drugs and the development of effective vaccines.

A new book on Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa critically reviews the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biology since the publication of the genomes. Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which future research efforts can be based. Topics include: the genomes of Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia and other diplomonads; the cytoskeletons of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis; genomic analyses and manipulation of gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica; nuclear and chromosomal structure and replication in Giardia; and the mitochondrion-like organelles of a fourth anaerobe, Blastocystis. Recommended text for all parasitology laboratories.

Further reading: Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa

Labels: Blastocystis, Entamoeba, Giardia, new book, parasites, parasitic infections, parasitology, parasitology books, Trichomonas

"This book represents a most thorough and comprehensive review of current research into the genetics, biology, host-parasite interactions and developments in the treatment of Leishmaniasis. The chapters are contributed by many eminent researchers in the field, and thus it contains the most recent research and developments relating to this organism.

... This book represents a most valuable reference for any scientist who wishes to expand their knowledge and understanding of current research into this important parasitic infection, I feel that it is a must for the library of any individual undertaking research into this disease." ... read more

from Richard Bradbury (Microbiology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital) writing in Aus. J. Med. Sci. 2009 30(1): 25-26

Further reading: Leishmania: After The Genome

Labels: leishmania, leishmaniasis, parasites, parasitic infections

from Fiona L. Henriquez (University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK) writing in Parasites and Vectors (2009) 2: 16

There is an increasing interest and awareness of the free-living amoeba, Acanthamoeba, over recent years as an opportunistic pathogen of medical importance. The publication of this book is a timely reflection of this current situation. The author is to be congratulated on the provision of such a comprehensive review of the literature concerning all aspects of Acanthamoeba research. The intention of the author was to provide an essential reference for researchers of infectious diseases. This is achieved and in addition, this book should also be beneficial to students at the university level with a specific interest in microbiology.

This book is certainly a 'must read' for all scientists interested in medical and environmental microbiology. It is a very convincing overview and foundation of what is already known about Acanthamoeba, but the literature is constantly progressing rapidly and new information is arising about this, until recently, understudied organism.

Further reading: Acanthamoeba: Biology and Pathogenesis

Labels: Acanthamoeba, amoeba, Amoebiasis, book review, books, free-living amoeba, opportunistic pathogen, parasites

The journal "Parasites and Vectors" (2008 1: 11) has recently published a review of the new book Leishmania: After The Genome. Here are some extracts from the review:

" ...a mandatory text for PhD students ... the editors have done well in securing high quality contributions from most of the top leishmaniasis research laboratories in the world. The composition of the text is essentially an expert set of contemporary reviews which give a snapshot of research as it stands now, shortly after completion of the Leishmania genome. Many of the reviews have annotated large data sets into comprehensive tables and information-rich diagrams, which confirm its utility as a reference text ... "

Further reading: Leishmania: After The Genome

Labels: book review, leishmania, parasites