Book Review
INFECTIOUS DISEASES – VOL2 – PARASITIC
Robin A. Cooke
OBE, OAM, MD, DCP, FRCPA, FRCPath, FACTM, FAICD
Knowledge Books and Software, 2021. 266 pp, 708 illustrations.

Infectious Diseases Volume 2 Parasitic comprises part of Dr. Cooke’s new edition
for “Infectious Diseases – Atlas, Cases, Text”, formerly published by McGraw Hill in2008. In this new edition, many descriptions have been rewritten with new casestudies. Therefore, one hundred sixty-two pages of the parasitic in the previous bookhave been expanded to two hundred and sixty-six pages. This seems to be the reason
why the new book has to be divided into two separate parts; the non-parasitic and theparasitic. This time, Volume 2 has been published earlier than Volume 1. I was areader of the previous edition and other teaching materials Dr. Cooke had published inthe past. My first reaction after reviewing this book was “Oh, he made it even better,and he is indeed a good teacher.”Volume 2 covers protozoa, pathogenic amoebae, nematodes (filarial worms andothers), trematodes (schistosomes and liver flukes) and cestodes (tape worms).
However, this is neither a conventional, stereotypical textbook, nor an encyclopedia ofparasitology, where the author explains all aspects of parasites in a prosaic style; whichwith extensive information is usually dull and unnecessary for students, who do notneed a deep and broad knowledge, and who may therefore be discouraged from picking
up or finishing such a book. Instead, this a book where Dr. Cooke wisely chose aninstructive form, effectively using case studies that are almost entirely based on theauthors’ experiences, some of his reminiscences, essays and historical facts. The layout
is prudent, clean, instructive and pleasing. An introduction briefly summarizes thenature and subtypes of the organisms, followed by other paragraphs titled life cycle,
epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory investigations, pathology, treatments, andpreventions. All are written clearly and concisely. Trite diagrams usually inherent inparasitology textbooks are mostly omitted. The texts are itemized so that they are easy
to read and understand. In the sections of clinical cases, for example, readers candeliberate on each fact presented to reach their own conclusions while reading. This isfun, because it’s just like reading a detective story. Further relevant clinical histories
and/or follow ups are also added in places for conclusion. This method is likely to
attract the novice who is starting to learn parasitology. What’s more, columns ofhistories on the discovery of the diseases and organisms, as well as histories ofinvestigators are intriguing, and provide a refreshing perspective. Pictures presentedin this book are precise and illustrated with superb quality. The revival of some oldphotos was likely made possible with recent advances in photo technologies. All thesereflect the intellectual depth, artistic sensibilities, and uniqueness of the author.
Remarkable thought and prodigious effort must have gone into the making of thisbook.
Many people may think parasitology is outdated. Nay. In this era of closeinternational exchange, anyone who resides not only in endemic but also in nonendemic and sanitary countries can encounter them anytime and anywhere. Medicalpersonnel, such as laboratory technicians, nurses, scientists, and medical students, anddoctors in many fields, should be aware of those diseases. This book provides
introductory and essential information for them all.
In conclusion, I recommend this book to all those who work in the various
medical fields as well as others who wish to have a panoramic view of parasitology. In
particular, this book is evaluated as being most useful during early exposure for
medical students and pathology residents. Of course, it is invaluable for experienced
general pathologists as well. This is not only because of its content, but also how thecontent is taught. It serves as a model for excellence in teaching, that Dr. Robin A.
Cooke has pursued and demonstrated over many years.
Toshiaki Manabe, MD, PhD
Emeritus Professor at Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan