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 te

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.

As the human population grows-tripling in the past century while, simultaneously, quadrupling its demand for water-Earth's finite freshwater supplies are increasingly strained, and also increasingly contaminated by domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes. Today, approximately one-third of the world's population lives in areas with scarce water resources. Nearly one billion people currently lack access to an adequate water supply, and more than twice as many lack access to basic sanitation services. It is projected that by 2025 water scarcity will affect nearly two-thirds of all people on the planet. Recognizing that water availability, water quality, and sanitation are fundamental issues underlying infectious disease emergence and spread, the Institute of Medicine held a two-day public workshop, summarized in this volume. Through invited presentations and discussions, participants explored global and local connections between water, sanitation, and health; the spectrum of water-related disease transmission processes as they inform intervention design; lessons learned from water-related disease outbreaks; vulnerabilities in water and sanitation infrastructure in both industrialized and developing countries; and opportunities to improve water and sanitation infrastructure so as to reduce the risk of water-related infectious disease.

This essential, authoritative handbook provides clear, accurate coverage of zoonoses — diseases that can spread from animals to humans. The consistent format helps you quickly locate key information, such as how each disease affects the host, how it is spread, how it is treated, and necessary safety precautions. It also discusses the importance of educating animal owners about the public health implications of zoonoses and how to prevent them from spreading. - Clear, concise coverage helps you respond quickly when presented with diseases that could potentially spread between patients, clients, and staff in the veterinary clinic. - Each disease entry begins with a chart of its potential morbidity (the rate of incidence of a disease) and mortality (death rate), giving you at-a-glance access to the chance of contracting the disease and the severity of the disease if contracted. - Clinically relevant coverage includes information on the etiology (bacterial, viral, parasitic, etc.), most common nonhuman hosts, transmission modes, course of the disease, clinical signs in animals and humans, diagnostic tests, prevention, and general advice. - Essential information on preventing the spread of disease helps you educate clients about how to protect themselves and their animals from zoonoses. - Coverage of diseases such as mad cow disease, West Nile virus, rabies, and anthrax, prepares you to answer client questions about diseases that are in the public eye.

This book attempts to provide a broad coverage of current information needed by public health workers, physicians, veterinarians, parasitologists, technicians, and various biologists who encounter or work with the parasitic disease Cryptosporidium.

'... This volume provides most complete and balanced coverage of essential aspects of the pathogens as well as the diagnosis and clinical correlations of the disease they cause. It is set to become a valuable refrence for parasitologists, protozoologists, molecular biologists, clinical mecrobiologists, epidemiologists and specialists in infectious diseases.'

“Water and Health” strengthens the dynamic relationship between human health and water. The book has the potential to ignite our minds about several water-related diseases due to biological and chemical contamination, and to their high-end solutions. The contents are original, comprehensive and highly informative, and gradually take the reader around the component most important to his or her quality life, and not just existence. The book is set in social, scientific and economic dimensions, and is a must read for all those who cherish and celebrate human life and dignity.