REVIEW 1 For most microbiologists, diagnostic parasitology is a small but important part of their clinical practice. Consequently, there is a need for a comprehensive laboratory guide enabling trainees to gain essential knowledge and to continue to provide bench-side advice throughout a career. The second edition of this practical guide by Lynee Garcia achieves this aim and is highly recommended. The introductory chapters that explain the philosophy of parasitic diagnosis and provide an overview of available methods are especially useful. All human parasites are here. It is comprehensively and generally well-illustrated, notably the line drawings. Some of the pictures have too low a resolution, and colour for malaria and other blood protozoa would have improved the utility. Systematic descriptions of each diagnostic target are helpful.

The only weakness is the lack of molecular diagnostics, which might merit a separate chapter in future. Despite this, Garcia''s newest edition is a ''must buy'' for trainees and established microbiologists. Society for General Microbiology: Microbiology Today Review Date: February 2010 - Stephen Gillespie , Royal Free University College Medical School REVIEW 2 At A Glance Designed as a training aid and rapid reference for laboratorians, this volume supplements the large standard textbooks in clinical parasitology, providing comprehensive information for practicing microbiologists, physicians, medical technologists, and students. * Covers key diagnostic techniques * Extensive information on method selection and clinical relevance * Diagnostic algorithms, tables, and identification keys * Comprehensive organism information on facing pages * Offers tips from 20 years of bench experience. Description This is the second edition of a book that delivers exactly what is promised in the title -- a practical guide to diagnostic parasitology. Purpose It is designed as a guide for the bench user. These most worthy objectives are admirably met by this edition. Audience This book would be very desirable for clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) or public health microbiologists in practice or in training.

It also would be of interest to primary healthcare providers practicing in areas of the world where parasitic diseases are endemic and who may be responsible for treatment decisions (and maybe parasite identification too). Finally, it would be of interest to anyone in the healthcare professions interested in diagnostic parasitology. The author is acknowledged internationally as the expert in parasitology (she''s commonly referred to as "the goddess" of diagnostic parasitology). Features This seemingly small book is chock full of important diagnostic parasitology information. It contains many new updates from the first edition that address major shifts in medical parasitology related to the ease of global travel, ensuing appearance of parasitic diseases in new geographic locations, ever decreasing lack of trained diagnostic parasitologists (and hence the need for books like this), and shifts in diagnostic testing trends (i.e., from microscopic diagnosis to antigen detection, serology, etc.).

There are three truly notable sections. One is section 6, on commonly asked questions about diagnostic parasitology. This outstanding section has the answers to all those pesky questions you get asked and have to research for an answer. (It actually reads like the ClinMicroNet listserve!). Another is section 7 on parasite identification, which is the bread-and-butter of this book -- pictures and all the relevant information you could ever want about any parasite. Finally, what I liked the best (because I can''t find it anywhere else) are the final three photomicrograph plates at the very end of the book depicting artifacts and things that look like parasites but aren''t. These are the pictures I will refer to the most. Every other section is equally superb.

For example, there is a section on specimens, processing, and fixatives -- everything you could ever want to know about what specimen to submit, how best to handle or process it, which stain to use, etc., to make an accurate diagnosis. My only (and very minor) gripe is that the photomicrographs are in black and white. It would have been lovely to have them in color. Assessment This is THE book on diagnostic parasitology. Get it. -Valerie Ng, PhD, MD, (Alameda County Medical Center/Highland Hospital).