Some Reflections on the Ecology of Parasitism

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Abstract
Attention is given primarily to areas in need of further elucidation or clarification rather than to established fact. It is urged that any parasite is but incompletely known if we know only the taxonomy, morphology, and life history. These are considered to be of fundamental importance but nevertheless only stepping stones in acquiring knowledge of the parasites. To know the ecology of the parasite we must know its nutrition, including its metabolic pathways, its response to the changing environment, and the response of the environment to the parasite. Gaps in our knowledge, as well as failure to appreciate all the information available, are illustrated with amebiasis, Leucocyte-, zoon, filariasis, hookworm, echinococcosis, and trichinosis. Refer- ence is made to the fact that a more complete understanding of the ecology in relation to the insect and vertebrate host made possible the prompt utilization of residual spray in the control of some infections. It is urged that the recognition and appreciation of the ecological relationships are needed with other parasitic disease. It is concluded that the future offers opportunities unlimited to the ecologically minded parasitologist.

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