African trypanosomes are tsetse-transmitted protozoa that
inhabit the extracellular compartment of host blood. They cause fatal
sleeping sickness in people, and Nagana, a wasting and generally fatal
disease, in cattle. While trypanosomes are most common to Africa
(about 30% of Africa''s cattle graze on the fringe of the tsetse
habitat), some species have spread beyond its boarders to Asia, the
Middle East and South America.

The African Trypanosomes, volume one of World Class
Parasites, is written for researchers, students and scholars who
enjoy reading research that has a major impact on human health, or
agricultural productivity, and against which we have no satisfactory
defense. It is intended to supplement more formal texts that cover
taxonomy, life cycles, morphology, vector distribution, symptoms and
treatment. It integrates vector, pathogen and host biology and
celebrates the diversity of approach that comprises modern
parasitological research.