Course Description

Anyone would loathe, detest, abhor and hate the word ‘parasite’. Reason? Parasites     
alive in other living beings. While doing so they occupy space within the host, 
utilise its resources for their own growth and propagation and release their wastes 
and toxins within the host’s body. Result? Evolution of horrendous parasites has been 
an important reason for minor morbidity and sometimes fatalities in humans. There 
are hundreds of parasites on our mother earth, some known and others unknown as 
yet. As human is undertaking development and disturbing the natural balances that 
were ‘meant to be’—newer parasites attack human, adding to the ever expanding list 
of these abominable organisms.
 As medical science progresses, so do its diagnostic tools and capabilities, this trend 
has also evolved in relation to parasitic diseases. Unfortunately, the same statement 
cannot be logged on to their therapeutic aspects. Many parasitic infestations, till date, 
have either no or largely ineffective cures and sadly enough they terminate in death. As 
human (in the name of advancement, development and progress) is invading habitat of 
wild animals and keeping newer species as pets—many parasites of these animals are 
attacking human, finding as an easy prey. “Prevention is better than cure,”, this universal 
statement applies aptly to parasitic diseases. Prevention is possible only if we know 
the life cycles and portals of entry of the concerned parasites, implication being that 
parasitology can no longer be overlooked or brushed aside. With the arrival of AIDS, 
the otherwise innocuous parasites have become agents of death, e.g. pneumocystis.
 Although, by definition, fungi, bacteria and viruses are also parasites, however, 
traditionally, they have been kept outside the domain of parasitology.
 This book covers most parasites that affect human intentionally or accidentally. The 
rarer ones have also been included. A more or less uniform format has been retained 
for description—starting from historical aspects to their therapeutics. Line diagrams 
and flow sketch diagrams are provided for all parasites discussed and wherever felt 
necessay colour pictures have been provided. The book begins with a colour atlas to 
give you a preview of what you are going to study about in pages to come. It is an 
easily digestible and assimilable way. This book should prove useful for undergradu
ates and practitioners alike. Diagnostic parasitology and therapy of parasitic infections 
have been discussed at the end. Every effort has been made to weed out any mistake, 
typographical or otherwise, at the time of going to press, the author or the publishers, 
however, undertake no responsibility for any errors that may have crept in indaver
tently. Latest diagnostic platforms have not been forgotten. You will find polymerase 
chain reactions (PCRs), nucleic acid technologies wherever applicable and available.
 Wishing you all the best.