Book review

Abstract

The title of this book is arguably misleading for two reasons. One is that 'parasites', in the form of protozoan and metazoan pathogens, are distinguished from 'disease' organisms viruses, bacteria and fungi. Such a distinction, especially when there are chapter headings such as 'Diseases caused by Protozoa', is likely to confuse rather than enlighten. Secondly, 'tropics' is restricted in the book's coverage to South-east Asia. The main text is divided into four sections. The title of part I, 'Fish anatomy', is again slightly misleading since it deals with organs as habitats for parasites and is not concerned with descriptive anatomy. It is nevertheless a useful and very informative summary of the pathogens that are likely to occur in any given organ system. Part II 'Diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy' again provides clear and well-structured accounts of these topics, illustrated by flow diagrams and charts. The therapy section is the least useful, being particularly superficial on immunization techniques. The four chapters comprising parts I and II will prove invaluable, however, to those establishing laboratories or to those engaged in training personnel. Part III, consisting of two chapters under the general heading 'Diseases', contains details of viral and bacterial, and fungal infections. This part surprisingly accounts for only 10% of the book, which seems disproportionately small in relation to the likely importance of micro-organisms as pathogens. In comparison part IV, 'Parasites and pests', accounts for 50% of the book. This part contains chapters on Protozoa and all the major metazoan parasitic groups plus the crustaceans, leeches and molluscs. There are full, often detailed, accounts of the species of parasites found in South-east Asia. There is a strong emphasis on taxonomy and detailed nomenclature (synonyms are often given) which would seem more appropriate to a book whose aims were more directly academic. One gains the impression that many of the species included in this part of the book are not important pathogens in fish culture. The final chapter, included in part IV, deals with nutritional and environmental disorders. It is rather more superficial than the preceding chapters. Treatment of diseases is covered after the description of single species or groups of species, as appropriate. In general the coverage is useful but occasionally overdone. The section concerning Icthyophthirius, for example, amounts to five and a half pages and could prove confusing to a fish farmer looking for a convenient treatment. The index is fairly comprehensive although there are irritating omissions. For example, formulae are given for fixatives but these are not indexed, and neither is anaesthesia. In the text there is unnecesssary repetition of chemical formulae, for such ordinary chemicals as common salt and copper sulphate, which could have been omitted after the first mention. In general, however, the book is produced to a very high standard and contains few errors. In conclusion, this book will provide much of interest and value to investigative staff for whom it will prove a useful source of reference, though not necessarily of references as the list runs to only about 110 titles, and its many excellent chapters are thoroughly recommended to the informed reader.