The journal provides a medium for rapid publication of investigations of the molecular biology and biochemistry of parasitic protozoa and helminths and their interactions with both the definitive and intermediate host. The main subject areas covered are:
• the structure, biosynthesis, degradation, properties and function of DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and small molecular-weight substances
• intermediary metabolism and bioenergetics
• drug target characterization and the mode of action of antiparasitic drugs
• molecular and biochemical aspects of membrane structure and function
• host-parasite relationships that focus on the parasite, particularly as related to specific parasite molecules.
• analysis of genes and genome structure, function and expression
• analysis of variation in parasite populations relevant to genetic exchange, pathogenesis, drug and vaccine target characterization, and drug resistance.
• parasite protein trafficking, organelle biogenesis, and cellular structure especially with reference to the roles of specific molecules
• parasite programmed cell death, development, and cell division at the molecular level


Papers will only be accepted for publication if they fall within these areas, if they contain original and complete work of high scientific quality, and if they are well presented. Papers solely confirming the conserved functions of genes previously studied in other organisms will not be considered.
Additionally the following areas of work are better suited to other journals:
• studies predominantly focused on the host response (e.g. immunology)
• surveys reporting allele or strain frequencies in various regions
• in silico modeling or computational work without biological experiments
• surveys reporting allele or strain frequencies not linked to biological relevance (e.g., drug resistance, or pathogenesis)