title: New developments in Cryptosporidium research.
abstract: Cryptosporidium is an enteric parasite that is considered the second greatest cause of diarrhoea and death in children after rotavirus. Currently, 27 species are recognised as valid and of these, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the majority of infections in humans. Molecular and biological studies indicate that Cryptosporidium is more closely related to gregarine parasites rather than to coccidians. The identification of gregarine-like gamont stages and the ability of Cryptosporidium to complete its life cycle in the absence of host cells further confirm its relationship with gregarines. This opens new avenues into the investigation of pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment and control of Cryptosporidium. Effective drug treatments and vaccines are not yet available due, in part, to the technical challenges of working on Cryptosporidium in the laboratory. Whole genome sequencing and metabolomics have expanded our understanding of the biochemical requirements of this organism and have identified new drug targets. To effectively combat this important pathogen, increased funding is essential.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia. Electronic address: Una.Ryan@murdoch.edu.au.
authors.forename: Una
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University PO Box 150459, Zarqa 13115, Jordan.
authors.forename: Nawal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hijjawi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D023281:Genomics; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines
chemical_list: D016052:Protozoan Vaccines
keywords: Cell culture; Cryptosporidium; Drug development; Genomics; Taxonomy; Vaccines