The journal provides a medium for the rapid publication of investigations of the molecular biology, molecular immunology and biochemistry of parasitic protozoa and helminths and their interactions with both the definitive and intermediate host. The main subject areas covered are: chemical structure, biosynthesis, degradation, properties and function of small molecular weight substances, DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates - intermediary metabolism and bioenergetics - molecular and biochemical studies on the mode of action of antiparasitic drugs - molecular and biochemical aspects of membrane structure and function - molecular and biochemical aspects of host-parasite relationships including analysis of parasitic escape mechanisms - characterisation of parasite antigen and parasite and host cell surface receptors - characterisation of genes by biophysical and biochemical methods, including recombinant DNA technology - analysis of gene structure, function and expression - mechanisms of genetic recombination.Papers will only be accepted for publication if they fall within these areas, if they contain original work of high scientific quality, and if they are well presented.The table of contents for this journal is now available pre-publication, via e-mail, as part of the free ContentsDirect service from Elsevier Science. Please send an e-mail message to cdhelp@elsevier.co.uk for further information about this service.