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Malaria. The intelligent traveller's guide
142 information for specialist and non-specialist alike. The text is also available in computerized versions on request to the author. C. J. Leake Biotechnology and Veterinary Science. J. Blancou (coordinator). OIE Scientific and Technical Review, vol. 9, part 3. Paris: Office International des Epizooties. 320 pp. ISSN 0253-1933. (Price FF 155). The title of this book adequately describes its contents but does little justice to the quality and comprehensive nature of its contents. There are 12 chapters, each presented in full in English and with, ai the.least, French and Spanish summaries. The first. in English. French and Soanish, introduces and ‘reviews the range of use’s of biotechnology in veterinary science. This is followed by 3 chapters discussinn current regulatorv asoectsof biotechnology in North America, Europe, and Asia and Oceania, resnectivelv. The next 3 chanters deal with biotechnology in the diagnosis of bacterial and viral diseases, parasitic diseases, and the production of veterinary vaccines. The fmal 5 chapters comprise an introductory review of artificial insemination and embryo transfer, presented in full in English and French, and separate chapters on reproductive technology in animal production, the potential of transgenie animals, genetic selection for diseaseresistance and, linally, the control of genetic defects. The text is well-written and desoite its ‘official’ origins is discussive rather than authoritarian in style. The list of referencesat the end of each chapter is very comprehensive and includes papers published in 1990. Access to the references, which cover almost every aspect of biotechnology in animal science, is, in itself, almost sufficient reason for having a copy. This book could serve many purposes: an introductory primer for veterinarians drawn into scientific or regulatory aspectsof biotechnology, since the principles and technical background of the subject are all defined and often illustrated; an introduction to molecular biologists of the various uses of their specialization in veterinary immunology, diagnosis and transgenics; and, for immunologists, geneticists and nutritionists, a concise and authoritative update on the impact of biotechnology on their subject. The coordinator of this review, Dr J. Blancou, and his team of international co-authors are to be congratulated on producing such an excellent and timely text on a discipline which is now permeating every aspect of veterinary science. G. M. Urquhart Malaria.
Butcher.
The Intelligent
Canberra:
Traveller’s
Anutech
Guide. G. A.
Pty Ltd,
1990.
vii+74 pp. Price ES.67 (including postage and packing, from Dr G. A. Butcher, Biology Department, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 ZBB, UK). ISBN 0-86420-003-X. My first reaction when asked to review this book was that it is exactly what is missing from the short list of travel health guides, and someone has recognized the market. Dr Butcher has not only identified a niche but has the appropriate background to fill it, having worked in the field of malaria since 1965. The guide provides a global overview of malaria, starting with details of the life cycle of Plmnodium and clinical features of falciparum malaria and then goes on to detail the complications of infection. Information on the vector includes pictures, breeding habits and characteristics of anopheline larvae and a description of methods of communitv and personal vector control. The epidemiology is briefly covered and includes a World Health Ortranization man from 1985, the only information I focnd outdated. ‘The varied history of attempts at lobal malaria eradication complete the perspective oP the worldwide disease. The most detailed chapter in the guide is entitled ‘Drugs and malaria,’ which starts with the history and background of anti-malaria agents, then details all the important drugs, including information on efficacy, therapeutic margins, mechanism of action, contraindication and reported toxicity. Reading this chapter I felt uneasy about the detail which, although accurate, may be, to a non-expert, difficult to balance with the risks of malaria. The neurotoxicity of mefloquine and agranulocytosis with high-dose maloprim may potentially influence future drug compliance of the most intelligent individual. The role of physical measures in malaria prevention, although mentioned throughout, loses its undoubted priority in the detail of chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis. The book ends with a look into the future of vaccines, and Butcher’s background as an immunologist comesthrough in the clarity of his descriptions of the immune process in malaria and how malaria vaccines are being designed. The final chapter covers the interaction of malaria and tropical diseases,and the appendices contain prescribing information and regional prophylaxis regimens. These regimens are difficult to summarize becauseof national differences, but most combinations are covered. I would encourage health personnel involved with travellers to purchase this information-packed and well-presented paperback, but I suspect-that a traveller with this book in hand might well attempt a ‘do it yourself chemoprophylaxis regimen. R. H. Behrens
Butcher.
The Intelligent
Canberra:
Traveller’s
Anutech
Guide. G. A.
Pty Ltd,
1990.
vii+74 pp. Price ES.67 (including postage and packing, from Dr G. A. Butcher, Biology Department, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 ZBB, UK). ISBN 0-86420-003-X. My first reaction when asked to review this book was that it is exactly what is missing from the short list of travel health guides, and someone has recognized the market. Dr Butcher has not only identified a niche but has the appropriate background to fill it, having worked in the field of malaria since 1965. The guide provides a global overview of malaria, starting with details of the life cycle of Plmnodium and clinical features of falciparum malaria and then goes on to detail the complications of infection. Information on the vector includes pictures, breeding habits and characteristics of anopheline larvae and a description of methods of communitv and personal vector control. The epidemiology is briefly covered and includes a World Health Ortranization man from 1985, the only information I focnd outdated. ‘The varied history of attempts at lobal malaria eradication complete the perspective oP the worldwide disease. The most detailed chapter in the guide is entitled ‘Drugs and malaria,’ which starts with the history and background of anti-malaria agents, then details all the important drugs, including information on efficacy, therapeutic margins, mechanism of action, contraindication and reported toxicity. Reading this chapter I felt uneasy about the detail which, although accurate, may be, to a non-expert, difficult to balance with the risks of malaria. The neurotoxicity of mefloquine and agranulocytosis with high-dose maloprim may potentially influence future drug compliance of the most intelligent individual. The role of physical measures in malaria prevention, although mentioned throughout, loses its undoubted priority in the detail of chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis. The book ends with a look into the future of vaccines, and Butcher’s background as an immunologist comesthrough in the clarity of his descriptions of the immune process in malaria and how malaria vaccines are being designed. The final chapter covers the interaction of malaria and tropical diseases,and the appendices contain prescribing information and regional prophylaxis regimens. These regimens are difficult to summarize becauseof national differences, but most combinations are covered. I would encourage health personnel involved with travellers to purchase this information-packed and well-presented paperback, but I suspect-that a traveller with this book in hand might well attempt a ‘do it yourself chemoprophylaxis regimen. R. H. Behrens