Update on human infections caused by intestinal protozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To update the reader on the recent literature discussing human infections due to intestinal protozoa.


RESULTS
Diarrheal diseases due to intestinal protozoa cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide in a variety of patient populations. New literature on key pathogens Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Isospora, Giardia, and Entamoeba histolytica are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The recent medical literature on these pathogens has focused on new advances in understanding human genetic markers associated with susceptibility to infection and the use of molecular diagnostic techniques for both outbreak investigations (molecular epidemiology) and to understand the variability of clinical disease within species and subspecies.
Pierce
Kristen K
KK
Department of Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
Kirkpatrick
Beth D
BD
D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000469:parasitology; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology*; D012307:Risk Factors