The Animal Parasites of Man

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

57713

Title

The Animal Parasites of Man

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This authoritative medical text details the animal parasites affecting humans, covering protozoa, worms, and arthropods. Written by leading experts in tropical medicine, it offers a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous overview of parasite biology, transmission, and pathology essential for medical professionals.

Summary up to 500 words

The Animal Parasites of Man offers a comprehensive examination of the biological mechanisms and pathological impacts of organisms infecting humans. Authored by H.B. Fantham, J.W.W. Stephens, and F.V. Theobald, this work serves as a critical reference for understanding parasite adaptations within human hosts, integrating extensive early 20th-century scientific literature with new findings on transmission vectors and encystment. The text is organized into three primary sections: Protozoa, Helminths (worms), and Arthropods. In the section on Protozoa, the authors resolve significant taxonomic debates regarding flagellates such as *Trichomonas* and *Cercomonas*. They describe the morphology and life cycles of specific parasites like *Trichomonas intestinalis*, noting its pear-shaped form and ability to inhabit various parts of the human intestine. The book details how these organisms, often found in dejecta or after laxative administration, can act as commensals that accelerate intestinal complaints or cause severe dysentery, particularly in infants. The authors discuss the uncertainty surrounding infection routes, suggesting air, water, and food as potential vectors, while also exploring the phenomenon of encystment necessary for transmission between hosts. The Helminths section covers diverse worms, detailing their structures and life cycles. This includes discussions on filariasis and other conditions ranging from benign commensalism to severe disease states. The text emphasizes the integration of historical context with contemporary discoveries regarding worm morphology and pathology. Finally, the Arthropods section focuses heavily on mosquitoes acting as vectors for diseases like malaria and filariasis. The authors provide detailed classifications of mosquito genera, such as *Anopheles*, *Myzomyia*, and *Culex*, distinguishing them by wing scales, thoracic features, and proboscis structure. Specific species marked as malaria carriers are identified, alongside those transmitting the larvae of *Filaria bancrofti*. The work also addresses other arthropods involved in disease transmission, providing a thorough biological profile of these vectors. Overall, the book synthesizes vast amounts of new matter and scientific output to update earlier editions, rewriting sections to reflect modern understanding. It stands as an exhaustive resource for parasitology, clarifying the distinctions between parasite types and their specific roles in human health and disease.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science