Cryptosporidium: Parasite and Disease

This book covers the biology, molecular biology, host-parasite interaction and epidemiology of Cryptosporidium as well as diagnosis and treatment. A section on practical lab procedures reviews step-by-step guidelines for sample preparation and lab procedures. This new volume on Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis discusses all relevant aspects of the biology, molecular biology, host-parasite interaction, epidemiology as well as diagnosis and treatment of these widespread parasites. It represents a useful guide for physicians, microbiologists, veterinarians and water professionals seeking advanced knowledge and guidance about these important parasitic pathogens. A section on practical lab procedures discusses step-by-step guidelines for sample preparation and lab procedures. The new book may further serve as a reference work for graduate students in medical and veterinary microbiology. Section 1: Taxonomy and epidemiology of Cryptosporidium.- Taxonomy and molecular taxonomy.- General epidemiology, including waterborne and foodborne transmission.- Molecular epidemiology of human infections (appendix: molecular protocols for parasite detection and genotyping).- Cryptosporidiosis in farm animals.- Cryptosporidiosis in other vertebrates.- Section 2: Molecular biology and genomics.- Genomics and comparative genomics (appendix: databases and other bioinformatic resources).- Gene expression and regulation.- Cryptosporidium metabolism.- Section 3: Host-parasite interaction.- Host-parasite interaction.- Clinical cryptosporidiosis.- Immunology of cryptosporidiosis.- Treatment of cryptosporidiosis.- Section 4: Cryptosporidium and the water.- Cryptosporidium in drinking and recreational water (appendix: method for recovery and identification of Cryptosporidium from water).- Removal and inactivation of Cryptosporidium from water.