Full Description
This book provides an up-to-date account of what is known about the tick-borne protozoan parasite Theileria parva. Disease caused by T. parva in cattle, particularly East Coast Fever, is one of the most important constraints to improving livestock productivity in eastern and southern Africa. Despite extensive research efforts, control and prevention of the disease is extremely challenging and, by placing a substantial economic burden on resource-poor livestock owners, it is a key factor in perpetuating poverty in rural communities. Beginning with a brief history, the book provides: - An account of the biology and distribution of the parasite, its tick vector and the nature of the disease, including immunity and genetic resistance. - A review of measures used for its control or prevention. - Important ancillary information which is not readily accessible in the scientific literature. - A concluding discussion of recommended research priorities for the future. The book brings together current knowledge about the parasite into a single volume for the first time in decades and forms a valuable resource for all researchers of human and animal protozoal diseases. It will also be of major interest to animal health workers, livestock farmers, government policy makers, scientific advisors and donor organizations.
Contents
1: A brief history of discovery of Theileria parva and related species of Theileria in cattle. 2: The economic and social impact of disease caused by Theileria parva 3: Development of Theileria parva in the tick and mammalian hosts. 4: The pathogenesis of East Coast fever 5: Theileria parva in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) 6: Disease caused by Theileria parva in southern Africa 7: Heritable resistance to disease caused by Theileria parva 8: Theileria diagnostics and species definition 9: Theileria parva genomics and genotypic polymorphism 10: The cell biology of the Theileria-leukocyte relationship 11: Immunity to Theileria parva 12: Immunisation against East Coast fever using live parasites: Development of an infection and treatment vaccine 13: The commercialisation of a vaccine for Theileria parva based on infection and treatment 14: Treatment of disease caused by Theileria parva 15: Properties and control of the tick vectors of Theileria parva 16: Future research priorities
