Primate Parasite Ecology

Introduces methodology for studying host-parasite interactions, integrating laboratory methodology, field research, and theory.

Monkeys and apes often share parasites with humans, so understanding the ecology of infectious diseases in non-human primates is of paramount importance. Written for researchers, this book provides up-to-date information on methods of study, natural history and ecology/theory of the exciting field of primate parasite ecology.Anyone who has spent an extended period in the tropics has an idea, through caring for others or first-hand experience, just what it is like to be a primate parasite host. Monkeys and apes often share parasites with humans, for example the HIV viruses which evolved from related viruses of chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys, and so understanding the ecology of infectious diseases in non-human primates is of paramount importance. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that environmental change may promote contact between humans and non-human primates and increase the possibility of sharing infectious disease. Written for academic researchers, this book addresses these issues and provides up-to-date information on the methods of study, natural history and ecology/theory of the exciting field of primate parasite ecology.