Parasites : tales of humanity's most unwelcome guests / Rosemary Drisdelle.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Ambush : parasites that have changed human history -- Market of peril : parasites versus food safety regulations--is anything safe to eat? -- Drinking-water advisory : how parasites get into our water and what we try to do about it -- Illegal aliens : the unintentional but persistent global movement of parasites by humans -- Parasites in control : as in science fiction, some parasites do take over their hosts -- In the house of mirrors : good, bad, and imaginary--the cultural meanings and practical uses of parasites, and the power of fear -- The parasite felonies : criminals who cast their lot in with parasites -- Emerging parasites : the ones that seem to come out of nowhere, and where they really come from -- Parasite extinction : can we ever get rid of these unwelcome guests?

The evolution and life history of parasites, their role in shaping human history, as well as future threats posed by them.