Immunology of Host-Ectoparasitic Arthropod Relationships

Host immune responses to ectoparasitic arthropods are critical elements in determining the nature of animal host-arthropod relationships, including transmission of vector-borne pathogens. This is the first book to provide a comprehensive analysis for both the student and specialist of the emerging field of “immunoentomology”. Our fundamental understanding of this topic has increased dramatically in recent years. Chapters prepared by specialists from the USA, UK and Australia provide comprehensive reviews of key subjects. The book concludes with a consideration of the application of fundamental knowledge about the immunology of the host-arthropod interface to the development of anti-arthropod vaccines. It is aimed particularly at medical and veterinary entomologists and acarologists, as well as immunologists.

Table of Contents:
1: Immunology of the Skin S K Wikel, Oklahoma State University, USA 2: Mouthparts and Feeding Mechanisms of Haematophagous Arthropods D K Bergman, Oklahoma State University,USA 3: Salivary Gland Physiology of Blood-feeding Arthropods J R Sauer, A S Bowman, J L McSwain, and R C Essenberg, Oklahoma State University, USA 4: Pharmacology of Haematophagous Arthropod Saliva D E Champagne and J G Valenzuela, University of Arizona, USA 5: Arthropod Modulation of Host Immune Responses S K Wikel and D K Bergman, Oklahoma State University, USA 6: Digestion and Fate of the Vertebrate Bloodmeal in Insects M J Lehane, University of Wales, Bangor, UK 7: Immune Responses to Fleas, Bugs and Sucking Lice C J Jones, University of Illinois, USA 8: Immune Responses to Mosquitoes and Flies R M Sandeman, La Trobe University,Victoria, Australia 9: Immunology of the Tick-Host Interface S K Wikel, Oklahoma State University, USA 10: Immunology of Scabies L G Arlian, Wright State University, Ohio, USA 11: Immune Responses to Mange Mites and Chiggers W J Wrenn, University of North Dakota, USA 12: Immunological-based Control of Blood-feeding Arthropods S K Wikel, D K Bergman and R N Ramachandra, Oklahoma State University, USA 13: A Synthesis of Current Concepts Regarding the Immunology of the Host-Arthropod Interface S K Wikel, Oklahoma State University, USA

Review :
"This collection of review articles on the interactions of host-ectoparasite arthropods is well presented in 13 chapters. The articles are well written and of interest to students and scientists concerned with interactions between parasitic arthropods and their hosts. The articles emphasize host defenses and ectoparasitic arthropod escape mechanisms against them. The authors have dealt extensively with the subject matter and provided both a thorough background and current findings, rather than highlighting solely their own research. . . . This book will serve as a great reference to those interested in the complex issues of host-parasitic arthropod interactions. The species discussed are ecologically and economically important. The contributors have written excellent and comprehensive articles that will spur interest on further research in this area."--The Quarterly Review of Biology