A Review of “Fish Parasites. Pathobiology and Protection”

Fish diseases are becoming increasingly important, as a consequence of increasing use of aquaculture and also the rapidly changing environment due to human impact, such as pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. A book that facilitates sound diagnosis of disease, as well as prevention of infection and treatment, is therefore welcome. The book edited by Woo and Buchmann discusses protistan and metazoan parasites that are significant agents of disease in economically important freshwater and marine fishes, focusing on specific pathogens. It does not cover systematics, evolution, molecular biology, ultrastructure, and in vitro culture. Some important parasites, such as Trichodina and Caryophillidae, are not included, because their effects are little known. Thirty-four experts at the forefront of research on particular parasites have contributed. The great attraction of the book is the concise treatment of the disease agents. Chapters are well illustrated, mostly by black and white but, in some cases, by color figures, A typical chapter, such as that on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, consists of a brief introduction; a section on lifecycles and parasitic stages; transmission and geographical distribution; diagnosis; local and systemic responses; and protective control strategies, including immune responses and vaccine strategies; conclusions; and suggestions for further studies. An extensive list of references follows. Some chapters, depending on the organisms discussed, include discussions of biological control measures and sections on pathophysiology, chemotherapy and immunochemotherapy, or vector control. There is an extensive and useful index (subject and taxonomic combined). The book is highly recommended to anybody involved in aquaculture and fisheries in general. In fact, it is an essential source of information for everybody who needs concise and up-to-date information on fish disease. The high standing of the editors and authors guarantees correct information.