Medical Entomology for Students

by Mike Service

Overview

Despite numerous scientific investigations on vector-borne human infections such as malaria, Lyme disease and typhus these diseases continue to threaten human health. Understanding the role of vectors in disease transmission, and the most appropriate control strategies, is therefore essential. This book provides information on the recognition, biology, ecology and medical importance of the arthropods that affect human health. The fifth edition of this popular textbook is completely updated and incorporates the latest strategies for controlling insects, ticks and mites. Numerous illustrations, with new colour photographs of some of the most important vectors, aid recognition. A glossary of entomological and epidemiological terms is included, along with a list of commonly used insecticides and their trade names. Clearly presented in a concise style, this text is aimed at students of medical entomology, tropical medicine, parasitology and pest control. It is also essential reading for physicians, health officials and community health workers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139411899
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/10/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Mike Service is a world authority on medical entomology and has over 50 years experience of research and teaching in the field. He is Emeritus Professor of Medical Entomology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. In 1997 he was awarded the Sir Rickard Christophers medal by the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and in 2002 the Harry Hoogstraal Medal by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, for research on medical vectors.

Table of Contents

Preface to the first edition; Preface to the second edition; Preface to the third edition; Preface to the fourth edition; Preface to the fifth edition; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction to mosquitoes (Culicidae); 2. Anopheline mosquitoes (Anophelinae); 3. Culicine mosquitoes (Culicinae); 4. Black flies (Simuliidae); 5. Phlebotomine sand flies (Phlebotominae); 6. Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae); 7. Horse flies (Tabanidae); 8. Tsetse flies (Glossinidae); 9. House flies and stable flies (Muscidae) and latrine flies (Fanniidae); 10. Flies and myiasis; 11. Fleas (Siphonaptera); 12. Sucking lice (Anoplura); 13. Bedbugs (Cimicidae); 14. Triatomine bugs (Triatominae); 15. Cockroaches (Blattaria); 16. Soft ticks (Argasidae); 17. Hard ticks (Ixodidae); 18. Scabies mites (Sarcoptidae); 19. Scrub typhus mites (Trombiculidae); 20. Miscellaneous mites; Appendix: names of some chemicals and microbials used in vector control; Glossary of common terms relevant to medical entomology; Select bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Anne L. O'Keefe, MD, MPH (Douglas County NE Health Department)
Description: This is the third edition of a standard introductory book on medical entomology. It provides basic information on recognition, biology, and methods of control of medically important arthropods. This edition, which updates the 2000 edition, includes recent developments in vector and disease control strategies and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases.
Purpose: The book succeeds in providing a concise introduction and basic reference for a wide audience who want to better understand and prevent arthropod-borne diseases.
Audience: It would be appreciated by students of entomology and other areas of biology, health professions, and public health; public health officials involved in the prevention and control of arthropod-borne diseases, including epidemiologists, program administrators, and community health workers involved in pest and disease control activities; and healthcare providers and public health professionals involved in international health and travel medicine.
Features: The book introduces the reader to medically important groups of mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, mites, and others. Most chapters are divided into sections on external morphology, life cycle, medical importance, and control. Some chapters are more detailed and include information on ecology, specific subfamilies and species, and important diseases. There are extensive diagrams that clearly illustrate morphology. Key terms and concepts are bolded and make it easy to scan the text. The appendix contains a glossary of common terms and a list of chemicals (and common trade names) used in pest control.
Assessment: This is an easy to understand introduction to the field of medical entomology for more readers than just students of biology and entomology. It provides enough detail to serve as an adequate reference for its intended audience (other than entomologists). Although the title is well recognized and probably should not be changed, a more appropriate title might be Medical Entomology for Health Care Providers and Public Health Practitioners.

Doody's Review Service

Of the third edition:
"… a very well written book that is well suited for its purpose as an introduction for students … it would serve well as a quick refresher to the subject even for experienced medical entomologists."
The Lancet

Of the third edition:
"… undergraduate and postgraduate masters students can continue to rely on this affordable and reliable basic introduction to the discipline of medical entomology."
Parasitology

Of the third edition:
"This is an easy to understand introduction to the field of medical entomology for more readers than just students of biology and entomology … [another] appropriate title might be 'Medical Entomology for Health Care Providers and Public Health Practitioners'."
Doody's Review Service

Of the third edition:
"… a 'must have' for those studying the discipline … a continuing strength is its frequent updating cycle and the helpful addition and revision of the further reading section."
Richard D. Ward, Keele University

From the Publisher