Parasite Adaptation to Environmental Constraints

Examines parasite adaptation to both external conditions and their host environment.

R. C. Tinsley (Edited by)

9780521005005, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 October 2002

152 pages
29.8 x 21 x 1 cm, 0.6 kg

Parasites experience two environments; one reflecting external conditions, the other created by the living host. The constraints imposed by these environments provide an avenue into the rich diversity of parasitology. The subjects of this volume are relevant to evolution, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology and phylogenetic analysis. Papers review familiar and unfamiliar extreme physical conditions from low temperatures and desiccation to the powerful water currents faced by some fish parasites. The environment created by the host and parasite adaptation to host immunity is covered in several papers, including immune evasion, host-switching and the effect of parasites on the evolution of immunity.

Introduction R. C. Tinsley
Parasites and low temperatures D. A. Wharton
Desiccation survival of parasitic nematodes R. N. Perry
The survival of monogenean (platyhelminth) parasites on fish skin G. C. Kearn
Pentastomids and the tetrapod lung J. Riley and R. J. Henderson
Parasite adaptation to extreme conditions in a desert environment R. C. Tinsley
Do parasites live in extreme environments? Constructing hostile niches and living in them C. Combes and S. Morand
Analysis of parasite host-switching: limitations on the use of phylogenies J. A. Jackson
Digenean parasites of deep-sea teleosts: a review and case studies of intrageneric phylogenies R. A. Bray, D. T. J. Littlewood, E. A. Herniou, B. Williams and R. E. Henderson.

Subject Areas: Parasitology [non-medical PSGH]