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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Isolation of F1-ATPase from the Parasitic Protist Trypanosoma brucei
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The 14th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP 14)

Melanie T Cushion1,2, Andrew H Limper3, Aleksey Porollo4,5

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267.

The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|May 4, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic protists (OIs) research highlights included Pneumocystis mating, Cryptosporidium genomics, Microsporidia infection mechanisms, and Toxoplasma drug discovery. Advances in understanding these pathogens advance treatments and diagnostics for OIs.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Opportunistic protists (OIs) cause significant human and animal diseases.
  • The 14th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP-14) convened to discuss recent advancements in OI research.
  • Key OIs discussed include Pneumocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma, Microsporidia, and kinetoplastid flagellates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key findings and research directions presented at IWOP-14.
  • To highlight advancements in understanding the biology, host interactions, and potential treatments for various OIs.
  • To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange within the OI research community.

Main Methods:

  • Reports on primary homothallism and sexual replication in Pneumocystis spp.
  • Comparative genomics and novel cryopreservation techniques for Cryptosporidium spp.
  • Zebrafish models for anti-Toxoplasma drug screening and investigation of Microsporidia infection.

Main Results:

  • New insights into Pneumocystis surface variation, host immune responses (CLR, Dectin-1, Mincle), and antigens.
  • Identification of PTP4's role in Microsporidia host infection and Cryptosporidium mucin interactions.
  • Evaluation of folk medicine compounds against Toxoplasma and improved models for studying chronic infections.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding the life cycles, host interactions, and genetic diversity of OIs.
  • Novel methods and models are accelerating the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for OI infections.
  • Continued research on OIs is crucial for addressing global health challenges posed by these pathogens.
Keywords:
CryptosporidiumHIVPCPPneumocystisToxoplasma gondiiMicrosporidiaNaegleriaopportunistic infectionspneumonia

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