"a nice instructional resource for both veterinary students and veterinary technology students. Although it may be viewed as a little more involved than is necessary for students studying veterinary technology it is quite informative and educational for those wanting to go the extra mile in their education ... Throughout this book, excellent pictures and diagrams are shown of various parasites from the microscopic perspective as well as gross examination of an animal. Pictures depict the effects observed to various internal organs on post mortem exam. Pictures are supplied of the actual parasite in addition to electron micrographs. Also, within the chapter addressing laboratory methods, sketches are given of a few of the methods in addition to protocols of the different procedures ... This text provides a good basis for parasitology study. It gives the reader/student great visuals and explanations of diseases encountered in large and small animal veterinary medicine. Although not as large as other recognized textbooks on this subject, it is very comprehensive, easy to read and follow. For identification purposes and test protocols, clinicians and their technicians will find this to be helpful addition to their library for comparative purposes. Students will love this book. " from Marisa Rhyne, BAS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM) writing in Veterinary Information Network read more ...

Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology Edited by: Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed Khan ISBN: 978-1-904455-79-0 (paperback);     978-1-904455-80-6 (hardback) Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: May 2011 Cover: paperback "Students will love this book" VIN

"There has long been a need for a concise parasitology textbook covering essential and emerging topics of clinical importance. This book fulfils this requirement and is an excellent up to date resource for researchers, veterinarians and students. The topics are clearly and precisely presented in an easy to read format. There are six sections and each is accompanied by very good pictorial presentations of life cycles and photographs of the major parasites to assist with diagnosis ... This is an excellent, accurate and up to date parasitological textbook that is easy to read and not cluttered with unnecessary data. It is an essential tool for students, parasitologists and veterinarians." from Tricia Veale writing in Aus. Vet. J. (2011) 89: 443 read more ...

Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology Edited by: Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed Khan ISBN: 978-1-904455-79-0 (paperback);     978-1-904455-80-6 (hardback) Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: May 2011 Cover: paperback "excellent, accurate and up to date ... an essential tool" (Aus. Vet. J.)

from Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed Khan writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

We tend to think of parasites as a nuisance, but they are in fact very serious disease-causing agents. Despite advances of veterinary medicine, parasitic diseases have remained a major cause of morbidity, mortality and economic losses, worldwide. With the increasing burden of parasites on human and animal suffering, study of "parasitology" has become an important and rapidly growing discipline of science. Veterinarians' awareness of parasitic diseases is undoubtedly more critical now than at any time in the history of veterinary medical practice. This chapter provides a short introduction to parasites and their unique properties.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from David J. Bartley and Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections is a prerequisite for successful treatment and control of these pathogens. Errors in the diagnosis can lead to the initiation of unnecessary therapies, or delays in initiating the correct therapy. Thus, the clinicians must maintain a sharp index of suspicion and must rely on detailed history and clinical manifestations, to raise the possibility of a parasitic disease. Even though the diagnosis can be difficult, and definitive identification of the parasites can be challenging particularly in the non-endemic settings. Therefore, laboratory testing for detection and identification of the parasitic agents is required to complement clinical judgement, enhance the clinician's ability to select specific anti-parasitic drugs, and ultimately improve patient care. A wide range of laboratory procedures are available for the diagnosis of parasitic infections. These procedures vary in methodology, expense, availability, sensitivity, and specificity. In this chapter, the standard techniques used in the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections are discussed.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Cestoda is a class of parasitic flatworms (Platyhelminthes), commonly called tapeworms or cestodes. All tapeworms use vertebrates as a definitive host, and vertebrates or invertebrates (arthropods, crustaceans) as an intermediate host, depending on the species. The definitive host harbors the adult, sexual, or mature stages of parasite. Larval 'metacestode' development occurs in the intermediate host (I.H.), which will be eaten by definitive host. In the latter, larval stages attach to the gut mucosa and mature to adult tapeworms via a process called 'strobilation'. Most tapeworms are found in the small intestine of their host as adults or, with Thysanosoma spp., have access to the intestine.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Philip J. Skuce writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Dicrocoeliosis is caused by Dicrocoelium dendriticum, which is also known as 'lancet fluke' or 'small liver fluke'. It can infect sheep, goats, cattle, deer and rabbits, and occasionally horses and pigs. Dicrocoeliasis is a widespread problem worldwide in grazing livestock. The epidemiology of Dicrocoelium depends upon the environment and on the presence of its intermediate and definitive hosts. Dicrocoelium spp. do pose a zoonotic risk but are very uncommon in humans, most cases are likely to be non-symptomatic.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Classification of nematodes has been traditionally based on the presence or absence of a posterior cuticular chemoreceptor called 'phasmid'. Nematode species with phasmid are known as phasmidea (Secernentea) and nematodes that lack phasmid are called aphasmidea (Adenophera). It is important to realize that the parasite taxonomy is an evolving field and there is no a single scheme that is always acceptable. Class Nematoda encompasses numerous species that infect livestock and companion animals. This chapter focuses only on the most economically important nematode infections in livestock and companion animals. General taxonomy of nematodes considered in this chapter is given to the genus level.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Naveed Ahmed Khan and Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

This chapter discusses Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis, amoebiasis, babesiosis, Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis, balantidiasis (also known as balantidiosis), besnoitiosis, blastocystosis, coccidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, cytauxzoonosis, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, giardiosis, leishmaniasis, neosporiosis, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, rhinosporidiosis, sarcosporidiosis, theilerioses, mediterranean coast fever, trichomoniosis, toxoplasmosis, trypanosomiosis, nagana or african trypanosomiosis.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Heinz Sager and Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

This chapter discusses cuterebriasis, gastrophilus infestation, flea infestation, flies, louse infestation (pediculosis), midges, mosquitoes, oestrus ovis infestation (sheep nasal flies), warble flies (heel fly, hypodermosis).

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Heinz Sager and Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Mites are ectoparasites of a wide range of birds, domesticated and wild animal species. Some have a zoonotic significance. Mites are members of the phylum Arthropoda. Demodex spp and Psorobia spp are host specific, and these species will not cross-infest other hosts. However mange mites (Chorioptes spp, Psoroptes spp and Sarcoptes spp) are no host specific and can cross-infest a large number of hosts. Mites live on the host continuously and infest other animals by contact. The life cycles of mites are all slightly different because some burrow, whereas others live on the surface of the skin. Sarcoptes spp. and Notoedres cati females burrow in the skin and deposit eggs. The eggs hatch into six-legged larvae, which develop and molt to eight-legged protonymphs and tritonymphs, which develop and molt into adults. The entire cycle requires 9 to 17 days. The ticks found on domesticated animals are not host specific, although they do have host preferences, and their distribution is subject to environmental conditions. Ticks are identified as being soft or hard ticks. The hard ticks are generally classified as one-, two-, or three-host ticks. Three-host ticks may complete the cycle in a short period (Rhipicephalus spp.), whereas other ticks (Dermacentor spp.) require 2 years, with 1 year between each stage before they reattach to a host.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha and Gerald C. Coles writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Most animals will carry a few parasites in/on their body and this is normal if kept under control. But, if the infection becomes overwhelming the animal's health will suffer and irreversible damage could result. Indeed, parasite infections continue to be one of the most economically important constraints in raising livestock worldwide, a significant health and welfare issue in companion animals, and an important source of zoonotic infections in humans. Despite tremendous efforts, the number of eradicated parasites is negligible and the perspectives for future eradications would most likely be counteracted by the emergence or re-emergence of other parasite species. Control of parasites can be challenging because parasites can use different immune evasive strategies and/or become resistant to drugs following exposure to the host immune response or to non-judicious use of anti-parasitic therapy, respectively. These challenges necessitate an integrated parasite management approach that encompasses a range of manipulations of the host (e.g. increased genetic host resistance through selecting for low fecal worm egg count, improved host resistance through proper nutrition), the environment (e.g. pasture management, appropriate husbandry, sound sanitation) and the parasite (e.g. sensible use of antiparasitics, maintain susceptible population of parasites, sterile male technologies for insects). This chapter will consider the reasons for parasite control followed by general considerations for parasite control and finally specific considerations for control of endoparasites and ectoparasites in ruminants, horses and companion animals.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Ray M. Kaplan writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Anthelmintic resistance is defined as a heritable genetic change in a population of worms that produces an alteration in the chemical sensitivity of that population. This change enables some individual worms in that population to survive drug treatments that are generally effective against the same species and stage of infection at the same dose rate. In practical terms anthelmintic resistance is present in a population of parasites when the efficacy of the drug falls below that which is historically expected, when other causes of reduced efficacy have been ruled out. These types of genetic changes occur slowly, usually over many years, and are the direct result of natural selection on parasite populations in response to drug treatments. Precise molecular mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated for any of the anthelmintics, but some important mutations have been identified that are involved in resistance to benzimidazole drugs.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Scott D. Fitzgerald writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Parasites may induce a wide variety of pathology in their host tissues. These changes vary from inapparent, to frank necrosis, grossly visible granulomas, and induction of hyperplastic or neoplastic changes in various tissues. The host may exhibit no clinical signs, or develop anemia, hypoproteinemia, weight loss, anorexia, even death. A few simple terms need to be defined before we begin our discussion of pathology. Localized infection refers to a parasitic infection that is limited to a single host tissue or focal areas of a given organ system. While generalized parasitic infection refers to parasites that have widespread migration throughout the host body in many tissues. While we are not going to make the reader a pathology expert, you should understand some basic pathology terms. Necrosis refers to destruction of normal tissue cells and organ architecture resulting in accumulations of cellular debris, fibrin, inflammatory cells, and red blood cells. Granulomatous inflammation is a chronic form of inflammation which is comprised predominantly of mixed mononuclear leukocytes including macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and sometimes multi-nucleated giant cells. If a granuloma has central zone of necrosis, this is a caseogranuloma. A hyperplastic change involved increased numbers or size of normal tissues, such as thickening of a keratinized layer in the epidermis being known as hyperkeratosis. Neoplastic transformation means that a true neoplasm consisting of a monomorphic population of cells has developed into a microscopic or grossly visible tumor or mass.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed Khan writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

How do parasites establish themselves inside their hosts is one of the most intriguing questions in parasitology. Given the diversity that exists among parasites, it is not surprising that the mechanics of parasitic infections are highly variable. The diverse strategies that pathogenic parasites use to infect their hosts have become better understood by means of molecular techniques that have allowed the identification of parasitic genes and virulence factors which are crucial to disease establishment and progression. Despite all this progress, predicting and derailing the transmission of any parasitic disease remains a challenge. This chapter addresses the interplay between parasites and their host organisms, introduces the fundamentals of parasite infection, and provides an overview of the multiple determinants - related to the parasite, the host, and the environment - that influence the parasite's capacity to cause a disease at the cellular and population levels.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Neil Foster and Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

In addition to the host's behaviour and physiology, immunity is another important host factor that influences the host-parasite interactions. The immune system is one of the most complex and diverse body components. This system recognizes parasite antigens as 'non-self' (foreign) and an immune response to these parasites is then initiated. It is difficult to generalize about the mechanisms of anti-parasite immunity because there are many different parasites that have different forms, which reside in different tissue of the animal body and in some cases may reside in different host species. Parasites have also evolved very elaborate mechanisms to escape attack by the host immune system. In this chapter we describe the range of defences the mammalian body possess to combat parasitic infections.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Ticks are giant acarids (phylum Arthropoda), which have a major veterinary and public health impact. They represent an obstacle in economic growth especially in developing countries. Due to their feeding behaviour ticks inflict considerable physical damage and irritation which disrupt the foraging of livestock, thereby reducing productivity and fitness, and lowering defences against other diseases (e.g. tick-borne fever predisposes lambs to tick pyaemia). Wounds induced by tick bites are open to invasion by secondary bacterial and fungal, and other opportunistic infections. Tick infestation may also cause tick paralysis, thought to be due to a neurotoxin elaborated by the tick's ovaries, and introduced into the host with saliva while the tick is feeding. This condition is generally characterized by progressive, ascending, flaccid motor paralysis with muscle in-coordination and ataxia.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology

from Hany M. Elsheikha, Steven McOrist and Timothy G. Geary writing in Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology:

Parasites such as nematodes and mites can be debilitating and deadly inhabitants of an animal's body. While some parasitic infections can be controlled effectively by preventive biosecurity, vaccines or other non-pharmaceutical intervention measures, for many parasites, these measures are not available, have a limited effect, or cannot be applied in practical settings. Antiparasitic drugs are the commonly-applied pharmaceutical compounds used to reduce, treat or prevent parasitic infections in animals. Starting perhaps with the initial usage of carbon tetrachloride against Fasciola in cattle, the strategic use of anthelmintic drugs has drastically reduced gastro-intestinal helminth infections and improved the welfare and productivity of domestic animals. Widespread effective usage of antiparasitics is therefore one of the greatest triumphs of the parasitology discipline, although they are not without problems and shortcomings. One of the most pressing concerns addressed in this chapter is the emergence of strains of parasites that are resistant to the action of an antiparasitic drug.

Further reading: Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology