Compiling all of the published data as well as the author's 45 years of field research on the morphology of reptilian unicellular hemoparasites, this book covers plasmodiids, hemogregarines, trypanosomes, and several new species. Each account contains host and geographic distribution, prevalence, life cycles and vectors, effects on the host, and the ecology of the host-parasite relationship.
The Plasmodiid Parasites. The Hemogregarines. The Hemococcidia of Lizards. Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomidae. Piroplasmorida. Prokaryotic Parasites of Reptilian Blood Cells. Viral Infections of Circulating Blood Cells. References. Appendices.
World Health Organization (retired)
Reptile blood parasites and Sam Telford are synonymous. After more than 45 years dedicated research in numerous countries on three continents the author has collated all his knowledge and expertise from over 10,000 positive blood smears in producing a reference book in this specialised area which will be the standard source of taxonomic data for decades!. Overall the volume describes more than 260 taxons (including descriptions of 8 new species) of which almost 170 are illustrated!. Sam Telford has produced a reference volume that will be the standard for decades to come and is unlikely to be surpassed. Every veterinarian, biologist, parasitologist and institution involved with reptile conservation, health and disease should have a copy available. This is an investment that no reference book-shelf can afford to be without. --Michael A Peirce, MP International Consultancy, East Sussex, UK