This is a new and fully revised edition of Jeffrey and Leach: Atlas of Medical Helminthology and Protozoology. Helminths (worms) and similar parasites are a major medical problem in much of the world and perhaps the largest single cause of morbidity and mortality (eg malaria, elephantiasis, trypanosmiasis). The diagnosis of these conditions still largely rests on the microscopic examination of, for example, faeces. This atlas illustrates the different myriad of different organisms and how to identify them.

Since this atlas was first published, major advances in immunology and molecular biology have transformed our understanding of the parasitic diseases which affect humans. The programme to eradicate Guinea worm is well advanced and real progress is being made towards a malaria vaccine. However, none of the parasites described in the first edition have yet been consigned to history. Indeed, Cyclospora and the microsporidia are newly recognised as important human pathogens even since the third edition, and in some geographical areas the malaria situation is worse, with the spread of multi-drug resistant Plasmodium fakipnrum malaria. There is a great deal left to be done.
Effective action against parasitic disease requires a team approach, including epidemiologists, biologists, diagnostic laboratory workers and clinicians. Common to all these disciplines is a need to understand the life cycles and morphology of the organisms they confront. It is hoped that this edition of the atlas will provide an appropriate introduction. The strong emphasis on diagnosis has been retained and since diagnostic parasitology still relies heavily on morphology, we have strengthened this area with the introduction of colour illustrations and photomicrographs.
We hope this book will help to kindle enthusiasm for the effort to control these parasites and the diseases they cause.