Parasitic Diseases

by M. Katz, D. D. Despommier, and R. W. Gwadz. xii + 264 pages, illustrated. Springer-Verlag, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. 1982. $27.75

Adam Ewert Department of Microbiology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550

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This text is intended for medical students and clinicians unfamiliar with parasitic diseases. In addition to providing the basic information on the parasitic infections of man, the authors propose to show that parasitology is a fascinating science. They accomplish both of these objectives by using a large number of illustrations and innovative life cycle diagrams. Sometimes realistic presentation is compromised for vivid presentation. An example of this is seen on page 2, where pinworms on the skin surface are said to experience a prolapse of the uterus, expel all the eggs and die. “This explosion can be so intense that the eggs, which are quite light, become airborne and are distributed throughout the surrounding environment.” There are a few statements that appear to be contradictory, e.g., on page 41 the authors say reports that onchocercal infections may produce inguinal lymphadenopathy are probably incorrect because the studies failed to eliminate the strong possibility of concomitant infection with other filariae known to cause lymphedema.

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