Aaron G. Maule

Nikki J. Marks

Parasitic flatworms include Cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes, schistosomes, etc) and are the cause of a number of major diseases of medical and veterinary significance. Much recent research has focused on molecular biology and genomics. this book aims to review advances in our understanding of these and related topics such as flatworm biochemistry, immunology and physiology. Where appropriate, comparisons are made between different parasitic flatworms and between parasitic and free-living species. Contributors to the book include leading authorities from Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology and Physiology

Parasitic Flatworms

This book examines recent research into the molecular biology, genomics and transcriptomics of, and novel control strategies for, flatworm parasites. These include Cestodes (tapeworms) and Trematodes (flukes, schistosomes etc), which are the cause of a number of diseases of medical and veterinary importance. The book explores three main areas: phylogeny, genetics and transcriptomes; immunobiology, host-parasite interaction and control; and protein function, metabolism and physiology. Where appropriate, comparisons are made between different parasitic flatworms and between parasitic and free-living species. The book concludes by exploring future avenues for research. Contributors to the book include leading authorities from Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

Antony O.W. Stretton

The structural simplicity of nematode nervous systems has provided a useful resource for studies on basic neurobiology. Two species have underpinned basic neuroscience research in phylum Nematoda, the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the pig parasitic nematode Ascaris suum due to their genetic tractability and large size, respectively. The fact that most of the chemotherapeutic targets for the treatment of roundworm parasite infections of animals and man associate with neuromuscular function means that nematode neurobiology research resonates beyond discovery biology and informs parasite control. These diverse drivers for the interrogation of nematode neurobiology have exposed a unique approach to the regulation of complex behavioral traits, encompassing structural simplicity with profound chemical complexity. The latter embraces extreme diversity in both the ligand-gated ion channel subunit complements for classical neurotransmitters and in the neuropeptide ligands that signal mostly via G-protein coupled receptors, offering compelling opportunities for parasite control-target discovery and validation.

Chapter 6. The Neurobiology of Ascaris and Other Parasitic Nematodes

Ascaris: The Neglected Parasite

L. H. Chappell

T. A. Day

Review of potential treatments for parasitic infection based on nerve and muscle systems.

Aaron G. Maule

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