This text is the essential tool for identifying arthropods-including varieties of insects, spiders, mites, and scorpions-and the health problems they cause. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and tick-borne ehrlichiosis are serious worldwide threats to human health. For those living in industrialized nations, the main threat lies with stings and bites of various species and the reactions they cause. Allergic reactions to even common insects such as bees or fire ants can be severe-sometimes resulting in death. Because quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment is imperative, the Physician's Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance provides easy-to-find, detailed information about insect- and other arthropod-caused health problems. The volume begins with several chapters devoted to the pathologic conditions caused by arthropods and treatment regimes for each. When a specific arthropod is discussed in Part I, a parenthetical reference is provided, indicating where more detailed information can be found in Part II. In Part II, descriptions of each arthropod are listed alphabetically with clearly marked subheadings so you can go directly to the topic you need without reading any extraneous material. Part III provides a glossary of entomological terms and an index, which includes pathologic conditions and common names to further aid you in finding a specific condition or insect.
