Advances in parasitology: 1886–1986

Since 1886 there has been increased interest in academic parasitology, as well as in medical and economic aspects of diseases caused by parasites. However, our understanding of the phenomenon of parasitism is still very limited. The increased knowledge in the fields of biochemistry, physiology, immunology and ecology has been used in parasitological research with considerable success, but we still lack basic information concerning host-parasite relationships. Little is known, for example, about the processes which govern the development of parasites in their hosts: infection, migration, the formation of infective stages, specificity—all those questions about the more intimate host-parasite interactions are still largely unanswered. And has our capacity to deal with the medical and economic aspects of parasitism improved during the century? Though there are still important gaps in our knowledge, the basic scientific facts seem to be adequate for more effective control of parasitic disease in many areas. Certainly more information about the management of environments of vectors concerned in the transmission of disease, and better chemoand immuno-therapy are needed. But effective control of parasites, will, it seems, depend largely upon better public health education, socioeconomic conditions, and the capacity of local authorities to implement and maintain the necessary measures.