Abstract
Protozoan parasites can infect the human intestinal tract causing serious diseases. In the following article, we focused on the three most prominent intestinal protozoan pathogens, namely, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Both C. parvum and G. lamblia colonize the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and are the most common causative agents of persistent diarrhea (i.e., cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis). Entamoeba histolytica colonizes the colon and, unlike the two former pathogens, may invade the colon wall and disseminate to other organs, mainly the liver, thereby causing life-threatening amebiasis. Here, we present condensed information concerning the pathobiology of these three diseases.
Highlights
Besides bacterial and viral pathogens, protozoan parasites can infect the human intestinal tract and cause serious diseases [1]
Trophozoites are stained with a monoclonal antibody directed against the variant surface protein (VSP) H7
After in vivo culture and re-isolation, the green staining is lost, meaning that new VSPs have replaced VSP H7. (B) Is one VSP replaced by another VSP or by several different VSPs thereby increasing the heterogeneity of the trophozoite population? Transcriptional studies have revealed that after subsequent in vivo cultivation of G. lamblia clone H7, the variability of VSPs increases
Summary
Besides bacterial and viral pathogens, protozoan parasites can infect the human intestinal tract and cause serious diseases [1]. We will focus on the three most relevant protozoal pathogens, namely, Cryptosporidium parvum (and closely related Coccidia), Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica. We regard these organisms as obligate pathogens because they may cause symptoms in otherwise completely healthy individuals and disappear after clearance by the immune system and/or successful chemotherapy. Giardia lamblia and C. parvum are the most common pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasites and causative agents of persistent diarrhea in humans [6]. Due to the poor hygienic conditions, the prevalence of these three intestinal protozoans is, much higher in underdeveloped countries thereby constituting a major problem for global health (see Table 2 for an overview). Water treatment, appropriate cleaning and storage of vegetables
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
