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Gut Coccidia--Isospora, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Sarcocystis
1Department of Medical Parasitology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK.
Abstract:
The gut Coccidia are members of a large, varied, and exclusively intracellular group of protozoan parasites, four species of which (Isospora, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Sarcocystis) are human pathogens. The first three, but particularly Cryptosporidium parvum, have moved from medical curiosities to major problems with the coming of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, but are now known to also cause disease in the immunocompetent patient. They are easy to acquire and difficult to remove from the environment and, in the case of cryptosporidiosis, impossible to treat properly. Further research into many aspects of the biology of these organisms is urgently needed.
Insights
Intestinal coccidia, including Cryptosporidium, are intracellular parasites causing disease in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. These pathogens are difficult to eradicate, necessitating further research into their biology.
Area of Science:
- Protozoology
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coccidia are intracellular protozoan parasites with four species pathogenic to humans: Isospora, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Sarcocystis.
- The prevalence of coccidial infections, particularly Cryptosporidium parvum, has increased significantly due to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic.
- These parasites now affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals, posing a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing significance of intestinal coccidia as human pathogens.
- To underscore the challenges associated with the environmental persistence and treatment of these infections.
- To emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive research into the biology of these protozoan parasites.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on coccidial infections.
- Analysis of the epidemiological impact of coccidia, especially in the context of the AIDS epidemic.
- Discussion of clinical and environmental challenges posed by these pathogens.
Main Results:
- Four species of coccidia are identified as significant human pathogens.
- Cryptosporidium and other coccidia have transitioned from rare to major health issues, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- Infections are easily acquired, environmentally persistent, and cryptosporidiosis is currently untreatable.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal coccidia represent a substantial and growing threat to human health.
- Effective environmental control and therapeutic strategies for coccidial infections are lacking.
- Extensive research is critically needed to understand and combat these challenging protozoan parasites.