Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis

From the microscopic observation of infection to the widespread application of molecular techniques in taxonomy and epidemiology, to the genome sequencing of two major species and advances in biochemistry, phylogeny, and water treatment, new information on this fascinating genus continues to mount as we discover and utilize the latest scientific techniques and methods. Greatly revised and expanded to encompass the volume and scope of new material, this second edition of a highly acclaimed reference provides a comprehensive and up-to-date consolidation of data.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.Table of ContentGeneral Biology. Genomics. Biochemistry. Epidemiology. Molecular Epidemiology. Diagnostics. Immune Responses. Clinical Disease and Pathology. Prophylaxis and Chemotherapy. Foodborne Transmission. Waterborne: Drinking Water. Waterborne: Recreational Water. Waste Management. Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles. Birds. Zoo and Wild Mammals. Companion Animals. Livestock. Animal Models. In Vitro Cultivation. Index.Review Quotepraise for the first edition: “…provides an encyclopedic review of our knowledge of this parasite. …a welcome addition to the literature.” --New England Journal of MedicinePraise for the second edition:"With the tremendous upsurge in research activity on Cryptosporidium in the mid 1990's, the only comprehensive reference work available at the time was the first edition of this book. As such, it became the 'bible' for many researchers starting out on investigations on this remarkable parasite, and stood the test of time for many years. Today, the volume of research articles on Cryptosporidium is enormous and not surprisingly, for an edited text to provide a comprehensive and up to date resource that is representative of current developments is a tall order! The chapters on genomics and biochemistry are valuable additions, and the host assemblage chapters provide a useful resource…"--R.C. Andrew Thompson, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, in Parasites & Vectors 2008, Vol. 1, Issue 47Biographical NoteUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Resear National Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta.