Mite-Human Interactions

Mite-Human Interactions: Nuisances, Vectors, Parasites, Allergens, and Commensals offers coverage on the neglected topic of mites, their diversity, and the conditions caused or vectored by them. The first part of the book differentiates the types of mites as arthropod-borne infectious disease vectors (scrub typhus, rickettsialpox), as bothersome pests (animal and itch mites), as potential allergens (dust and food mites), and as human commensals (follicle mites). The book further provides information on how to diagnose and treat mite-borne infections, infestations, and allergies and recommends ways to prevent and control them. The book also delves into topics such as the potential psychological impact of mites with the unusual condition of delusional parasitosis, also known as known as Morgellons disease and addresses the socio-economic disparity issues in infections, infestations, and mite-associated conditions. - Identifies the types of mites and differentiates between infections transmitted by ectoparasites from ectoparasitic infestations and allergies - Provides information on diagnoses, treatments, prevention, and control strategies - Examines the psychological and socioeconomic impact of infections, infestations, and mite-associated conditions

James H. Diaz, MD, DrPH, is a Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the LSU School of Public Health in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Diaz's current academic and clinical research interests include (1) occupational and environmental toxicology; (2) infectious diseases, poisonings, and injuries in international travelers; (3) emerging environmentally associated diseases and poisonings, particularly food-borne, water-borne, and vector-borne infectious diseases and poisonings; and (4) the impact of climate change on natural disasters and their public health outcomes. Dr. Diaz has published over 300 original articles and chapters in scientific journals and textbooks. Dr. Diaz currently authors the six-chapter section with updates on ectoparasitic infectious diseases in Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, the internationally recognized reference text on infectious diseases.