Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis

Continuing to be the seminal work in the field, Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis, Second Edition covers every aspect involved in the study of these highly adaptable parasites from basic biology to the search for a vaccine. It introduces molecular biology by discussing recent discoveries in the genome, genetic regulation, and comparative genomics of several species. Contributions present new biochemical data including metabolism and the investigation of structural proteins as potential drug targets. The book details transmission dynamics and molecular epidemiology, molecular methods for detecting infection, sources of contamination in foodborne transmission, and outbreaks and governmental regulations concerning drinking water, recreational waters, and waste management.

Chapters consider host immune responses, the histopathology and pathophysiology of infection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised humans, and the vast array of compounds tested for the prophylaxis and treatment of cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. The specifics of disease presentation address several species including fish, reptiles, birds, wild animals, companion animals, and livestock. The final chapters define appropriate animal models for parasite propagation and research, and describe the cells and media most useful for in vitro techniques.