Traditionally, laboratory identification of parasites has relied upon various phenotypic procedures that detect their morphological, biological, and immunological features. Because these procedures tend to be time-consuming and technically demanding, molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification technologies have been increasingly utilized for rapid, sensitive, and specific characterization of parasites. The large number of original and modified molecular protocols that have been developed over the years creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate protocol for streamlined identification and detection of human pathogenic organisms of interest. Part of a four-volume collection, Molecular Detection of Human Parasitic Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource on the molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens. This volume contains expert contributions from international scientists involved in human parasitic pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter includes: A brief review on the classification, biology, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic parasitic genus/group An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures and a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols A discussion on further research needs relating to improved diagnoses of major human parasitic pathogens This versatile reference on molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens is an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in parasite characterization. It is also suitable as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in parasitology.

The first in a series of four books, this comprehensive work details the molecular detection of major human viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Focusing on sample preparation and molecular detection procedures, each chapter presents a concise review of the pathogen concerned including its taxonomy, biology, epidemiology and pathogenesis; a description of clinical sample collection preparation procedures; a summary of molecular detection methods; representative molecular detection protocols; and a discussion on the challenges, limitations, and advantages for the current methods as well as further research required to improve diagnosis.

As more original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications are described in the literature, it has become difficult for those not directly involved in the development of these protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens addresses th

While the vast majority of our food supplies are nutritious and safe, foodborne pathogen-related illness still affects millions of people each year. Large outbreaks of foodborne diseases — such as the recent salmonella outbreak linked to various peanut butter products — continue to be reported with alarming frequency. All-Encompassing Guide to Detection Techniques One of the most effective ways to control and prevent human foodborne infections is to implement a pathogen surveillance system. Addressing the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of more than 60 microorganisms, Molecular Detection of Foodborne Pathogens demonstrates how to implement a surveillance system that uses state-of-the-art molecular techniques to quickly detect and identify bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens concerned. Included in each chapter: Concise review of the selected pathogen in respect to its biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis Summary of molecular detection methods available Description of clinical/food sample collection and preparation procedures Selection of robust, effective, step-by-step detection protocols Discussion of the current challenges and ongoing research needs to further extend utility and performance of molecular diagnostic methods With proven, ready-to-use protocols (including commercial kits), this globally pertinent resource demonstrates how speedy and effective detection methods can lead to more lives saved and a consistently safe, quality, and trustworthy food supply.

With increased sensitivity, a less invasive sampling procedure would be required from the patient. Also, the earlier the presence of parasites in the tissues is detected, the earlier the diagnosis would occur. Tissues that contain very few parasites and had been classified as previously unusable for diagnosis or tissues from older medical cases can be analyzed for the presence of disease and the identification of causative species. The successful application of the singleplex PCR technique to Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania degraded DNA samples leads to the feasibility of success for the multiplex PCR techniques involving degraded DNA analyses. Therefore, this methodology may be applied to samples of unknown disease content to either include or exclude the agents of disease. Future directions may extend these analyses to include a range of other agents of disease, thus allowing for the determination of disease antiquity through degraded DNA analyses."--Proquest theses abstract.

Why does the World Health Organization (WHO) put emphasis on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)? What are the NTDs? Are NTDs found in the United States? Is there any relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and NTDs? These are some of the questions being addressed in the book.The aim of this textbook is to introduce a modern synthesis on human parasites of medical importance. Species of parasitic protozoa and helminths are presented in detail, from history and discovery to aspects of genomes and molecular biology, together with life cycle, therapy, drug resistance, and case studies of parasitic diseases useful to the clinicians.