A key book for understanding the dynamics of parasitic infections from an ecological perspective, this new paperback edition enables postgraduate students to benefit from the vast expert knowledge of the internationally respected authors.

The central theme of the book is whether parasites and hosts evolve to coexist peacefully or whether parasites remain harmful to their hosts. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book promotes an interchange of research and expertise between ecologists and evolutionary biologists and between immunologists and physiologists.

Of ecological, evolutionary, medical, and economic importance, this book is an extremely valuable tool.