Describes an extraordinary endemic radiation of hydrobioid snails in the Mekong River (MR). The monophyletic radiation involving the subfamily Triculinae, 3 tribes, 11 genera, & 92 species, is larger than contemporaneous endemic freshwater gastropod faunas of centers of endemism, such as lakes Tanganyika & Baikal. The study addresses the issue of how higher taxa arise by analyzing the series of adaptive radiations within the MR Triculinae. The worldwide family Hydrobiidae is polyphyletic & includes 2 distinct lineages, the Hydrobiidae sensu stricto & the Pomatiopsidae with the subfamilies Pomatiopsidae & Triculinae. The differences between the two families were masked by convergence in shell, radula, penis, & operculum. Maps & illus.

This thematic volume provides authoritative, up-to-date reviews pertaining to the epidemiology, public health significance and shifts therein, control (current activities, successes, setbacks), persisting challenges (e.g. sanitation, universal coverage of health services, health-related behavior) of the key parasitic diseases in Southeast Asia. The book also discusses the new tools and approaches for enhanced discovery and control of helminthic diseases. Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts