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The Biology of Disease Vectors, 2nd Edn (ed. Marquardt, W. C.), pp. 785. Elsevier Academic Press, USA, 2005. ISBN 0 12 473276 3. £62.99.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 January 2006

HILARY HURD
HILARY HURD
Affiliation:
Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
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Extract

Vector biology has become a fast moving field. Spurred on by the recent exciting advances in the molecular biology, genomics and latterly proteomics of vector insects and their pathogens, researchers are using new approaches and our knowledge is rapidly increasing. The second edition of this volume very much reflects these advances. The editor, William Marquardt, has assembled a team of section editors to oversee the production of 57 short chapters, divided into 7 parts. With a few exceptions, these experts are drawn from the USA, a reflection no doubt of the history of the first edition which was produced to accompany the Biology of Vector Disease course, given at Colorado State University. The text is aimed at post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers, working in a range of areas associated with vector biology and vector-borne diseases. It provides an excellent opportunity to obtain an initial overview of a new area or to dip into a field that may be peripheral to the topic under investigation.

Type
Book Review
Information
Parasitology , Volume 132 , Issue 1 , January 2006 , pp. 153
Copyright
© 2006 Cambridge University Press

The 7 sections are arranged such that chapters covering wide-ranging aspects of vector biology are sandwiched between an initial introduction to vectors and the pathogens that they transmit and a final section devoted to methods of containment, care and maintenance. Part One takes a traditional approach by focussing upon arthropod taxonomy and evolution and most chapters include an outline of key aspects of pathogens transmitted by the respective vectors. Part Two is devoted to epidemiology and surveillance and chapters cover theoretical aspects of the vector–pathogen relationship and its application to population biology. Practical aspects of surveillance include the use of molecular and geographical information system methods with up-to-date examples such as the spread of West Nile virus across the USA. The section on physiology covers aspects particularly relevant to blood feeding, pathogen transmission and defence. This is followed by a section on vector genetics composed of 3 comprehensive chapters covering vector competence, genome evolution and population genetics and a section on molecular biology. Both of these sections provide clear, well-illustrated explanations of the latest methodologies, culminating in examples of studies using gene silencing and stable transformation of vectors. Part Six covers strategies for control of insects and acarines. The final section provides practical advice and many useful tips for successful arthropod husbandry.

The time-lag that inevitably occurs during the publication of a volume such as this has resulted in the references and further reading lists generally lacking reviews and articles post 2001–2 but, without exception, chapters provide an excellent grounding from which the reader can consult the latest publications. The book is illustrated throughout with line drawings, diagrams and colour plates of a very high standard and is pleasing to the eye, though rather heavy to carry. The style is light, but informative, and both attracts and keeps the reader's attention whilst encouraging further study via the recommended reading lists. The reasonable price makes it good value for money and I recommend it highly to new investigators and old hands alike.