Document Detail


Genetic richness and diversity in Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum reveals major knowledge gaps and a need for the application of "next generation" technologies--research review.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19699288     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Cryptosporidium species (apicomplexan protists) are a major cause of diarrhoeal disease (= cryptosporidiosis) in humans worldwide. The impact of cryptosporidiosis is also compounded by the spread of HIV/AIDS and a lack of cost-effective anti-cryptosporidial chemotherapeutics or vaccines. Mitigation of the impact of cryptosporidiosis in humans needs to focus on prevention and control strategies, built on a sound understanding of the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species. Refined epidemiological studies rely on the use of molecular tools employing informative genetic markers. Currently, the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) is the most suitable and widely used genetic marker for Cryptosporidium species infecting humans. Here, we undertake an analysis of all publicly-available gp60 sequence data and associated literature for C. hominis and C. parvum, and yield useful insights into the richness, diversity and distribution of genetic variants, and link these variants to human cryptosporidiosis. This global analysis reveals that, despite high genetic richness in Cryptosporidium isolates from humans, there is a surprisingly low diversity. It also highlights limited knowledge about the genetics of cryptosporidiosis in developing nations and in many animals that might act as infection sources. Clearly, there is a major need for more comprehensive studies of Cryptosporidium infecting humans and other animals in Africa and Asia. As molecular technologies improve and become affordable, future studies should utilize "next generation" sequencing and bioinformatic platforms to conduct comparative 'genome sequence surveys' to test the validity of current genetic classifications based on gp60 data. Complemented by in vitro and in vivo investigations, these biotechnological advances will also assist significantly in the search for new intervention strategies against human cryptosporidiosis.
Authors:
Aaron R Jex; Robin B Gasser
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Biotechnology advances     Volume:  28     ISSN:  1873-1899     ISO Abbreviation:  Biotechnol. Adv.     Publication Date:    2010 Jan-Feb
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-12-16     Completed Date:  2010-01-28     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8403708     Medline TA:  Biotechnol Adv     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  17-26     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia. ajex@unimelb.edu.au
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Biotechnology / methods*
Cryptosporidiosis / economics,  parasitology*
Cryptosporidium / genetics*
Developing Countries
Humans
Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
Protozoan Proteins / genetics
Species Specificity
Zoonoses / parasitology
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Membrane Glycoproteins; 0/Protozoan Proteins

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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