It's official – Cryptosporidium is a gregarine: What are the implications for the water industry?. (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryan, Una; Paparini, Andrea; Monis, Paul; Hijjawi, Nawal
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 105(2016)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: Cryptosporidium -- Gregarine -- Cell-free -- Gamont-like extracellular stages -- Water industry; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.09.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium are a major cause of diarrhoea and ill-health in humans and animals and are frequent causes of waterborne outbreaks. Until recently, it was thought that Cryptosporidium was an obligate intracellular parasite that only replicated within a suitable host, and that faecally shed oocysts could survive in the environment but could not multiply. In light of extensive biological and molecular data, including the ability of Cryptosporidium to complete its life cycle in the absence of a host and the production of novel extracellular stages, Cryptosporidium has been formally transferred from the Coccidia, to a new subclass, Cryptogregaria, with gregarine parasites. In this review, we discuss the close relationship between Cryptosporidium and gregarines and discuss the implications for the water industry. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cryptosporidium now grouped with gregarine parasites. Both epicellular and extracellular development. Can diagnostic antibodies cross-react with novel stages? Susceptibility of novel stages to disinfection? Growth in biofilms?