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Mode of Action of Agents Used against Arthropod Parasites

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Book cover Chemotherapy of Parasitic Diseases

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief guide to the mode of action of the antiparasitic compounds in current use. The emphasis reflects more the chemical usage than the extent of the literature. In particular, references to the action of DDT are condensed to a brief note in view of the virtual abolition of this compound as a treatment in parasite control. The desire for brevity has meant that inclusion of referenced work has to be particularly selective in some areas that have been extensively explored. All work carried out with parasite species has, as far as possible, been included. However, much of the work to elucidate the mode of action of chemical treatment is carried out in nontarget species. All the hypotheses presented in this chapter are derived from studies of either vertebrates or arthropods that have proved suitable for laboratory experimentation. Arthropods such as lobster, crayfish, American cockroach, and locust are large and easier to work with than are ticks, mites, and fleas. Insect and acarine parasites are all more or less specialized, and less is known of their physiology. It is therefore wise to exercise some caution in extrapolating general theories to this group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wellcome Research Laboratories, Berkhamsted Hill, Berkhamsted, HP4 2DY, UK

    Richard John Hart

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  1. Richard John Hart
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research, Rahway, New Jersey, USA

    William C. Campbell

  2. Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey, USA

    Robert S. Rew

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© 1986 Plenum Press, New York

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Hart, R.J. (1986). Mode of Action of Agents Used against Arthropod Parasites. In: Campbell, W.C., Rew, R.S. (eds) Chemotherapy of Parasitic Diseases. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-1233-8_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-1233-8_31

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-1235-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-1233-8

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