Edited by
R.C.A. Thompson
A. Armson
U.M. Ryan, Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
Description
In the relatively short period since
Cryptosporidium was recognised as a human pathogen, and that it could be transmitted in
water as well as directly between animals and people, it has been the subject of intense investigations. Its status as an opportunistic
pathogen, especially in AIDS patients, and the lack of effective anti-cryptosporidial drugs have served to emphasise the public health
importance of this organism. This has to some extent overshadowed the fact that
Cryptosporidium is also an important pathogen
of domestic animals and wildlife.
In recent years, the application of molecular biology and culture techniques have had an enormous
impact on our understanding of the aetiological agents of cryptosporidial infections and our ability to study the causative agents in
the laboratory. As a consequence, a wealth of information and novel data has been produced during the last 3-4 years, particularly in
the areas of taxonomy, biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology - particularly zoonotic and water borne transmission, and treatment.
It
is thus very timely to bring together in this book the international research community involved to review the major advances in research
and identify the important research priorities for the future, thus enabling as wide an audience as possible to benefit from and share
in this comprehensive look at
Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis.
Audience:
Parasitologists, microbiologists, veterinarians, physicians, gastroenterologists, water quality professionals.
