Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp.—recent developments and future needs

Cryptosporidia, widely distributed protozoan parasites of vertebrates have recently attracted increasing interest due to several serious waterborne outbreaks, the life-threatening nature of infection in immunocompromised patients, and the realization of economic losses caused by these pathogens in l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary parasitology 2003-02, Vol.111 (2), p.103-114
Main Authors: Egyed, Z, Sréter, T, Széll, Z, Varga, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium - classification
Cryptosporidium - genetics
DNA, Protozoan - chemistry
DNA, Protozoan - genetics
Genetic Variation
Genotyping
HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins - chemistry
HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins - genetics
Molecular phylogeny
Phylogeny
Polyphasic characterization
Protozoan Proteins - chemistry
Protozoan Proteins - genetics
Reference strains
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - chemistry
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics
Taxonomy
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Summary:Cryptosporidia, widely distributed protozoan parasites of vertebrates have recently attracted increasing interest due to several serious waterborne outbreaks, the life-threatening nature of infection in immunocompromised patients, and the realization of economic losses caused by these pathogens in livestock. Genetic polymorphism within Cryptosporidium spp. is being detected at a continuously growing rate, owing to the widespread use of modern molecular techniques. The aim of this paper is to review the current status of taxonomy, genotyping, molecular phylogeny, and characterization of cryptosporidia, and to highlight the need for polyphasic typing, i.e. an integrated approach comprising standardized morphologic, biologic, and molecular methods for describing Cryptosporidium species and isolates, and for establishing “virtual” reference strains.
ISSN:0304-4017
1873-2550
DOI:10.1016/S0304-4017(02)00362-X