Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular Biology

Anaerobic parasitic protozoa cause medically and economically important diseases - such as dysentery, sexually transmitted infections, and gastroenteritis - that annually affect millions of people worldwide. Recently, the genomes of the three key anaerobic protozoa - Trichomonas, Giardia, and Entamoeba - have been determined. The availability of these genomic data and the use of post-genomic analyses have provided fascinating new insights into the biology of these important parasites. They will be important for the design of novel anti-protozoan drugs and the development of effective vaccines. In this book, internationally acclaimed researchers critically review the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biology since the publication of the genomes. Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which future research efforts can be based. Topics include: the genomes of Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia, and other diplomonads; the cytoskeletons of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Trichomonas vaginalis; genomic analyses and manipulation of gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica; nuclear and chromosomal structure and replication in Giardia; and the mitochondrion-like organelles of a fourth anaerobe, Blastocystis. The book is essential reading for all researchers working with these protozoa and related organisms and with eukaryotic model organisms. It is recommended for all parasitology laboratories.