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Viruses of parasitic protozoa
1Michael Miles is a Wellcome Trust senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Parasitology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WCI E7HT, UK.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Parasitic protozoa associate with bacteria and viruses, revealed by ultrastructural studies and gel electrophoresis. These
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Parasitic protozoa are increasingly recognized to associate with smaller organisms like bacteria and viruses.
- Initial discoveries were made using ultrastructural studies.
- Recent findings suggest gel electrophoresis of parasite nucleic acids, specifically 'rogue bands,' may indicate these associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the origins and roles of these smaller organisms associated with parasitic protozoa.
- To investigate the potential of these associated organisms as agents for gene delivery in protozoa.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural studies were initially used.
- Gel electrophoresis of parasite nucleic acids, observing 'rogue bands,' is a newer indicative method.
Main Results:
- Associations between parasitic protozoa and bacteria/viruses are increasingly recognized.
- The presence of 'rogue bands' on gel electrophoresis may indicate these associations.
Conclusions:
- The origins and roles of these 'parasite parasites' remain uncertain.
- These associated organisms may be important for introducing genes for immunogens into non-pathogenic protozoa for vaccine development.