Giardia and Giardiasis: Part A

Giardia and Giardiasis, Volume 106 in Advances in Parasitology series includes in the first part aspects of molecular and cellular biology of Giardia and the role of particular molecules or molecular groups in essential functions and/or trafficking in the parasite. These approaches are with the aim to explore how this parasite adapts to an ever-changing environment both within and outside of the host animal. Subsequently a comprehensive description of virulence factors secreted by Giardia, are reviewed on their cytotoxic mechanisms and roles in the pathophysiology of giardiasis, and also a description on the potential of these secreted molecules as targets for drugs is included. In the context of the immuno-pathogenesis of giardiasis a review on the data and information on innate and adaptive immunity to Giardia, is included as well as a discussion on how improved knowledge of immunity is advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of giardiasis. The final part of this volume includes a review of the epidemiology of giardiasis in a veterinary context using molecular tools together with a discussion of the current status of the species and assemblages of Giardia, and issues surrounding the assignment of host specificity and the zoonotic potential using current molecular markers.- Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field of parasitology- Includes medical studies of parasites of major influence- Features reviews of more traditional areas, such as zoology, taxonomy, and life history, which help to shape current thinking and applications

About the Author

Dr. M. Guadalupe Ortega Pierres´ group carries out studies on the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis which is a common intestinal parasite in humans worldwide that causes giardiasis. This infection is one of the most frequently diagnosed waterborne diseases and is considered a major public health problem particularly in developing countries.Her work includes the study of basic aspects of host-pathogen interaction. In particular her group is interested in identifying parasite molecules which are expressed and secreted during the interaction of parasite with epithelial cells such as proteases, VSPs and enolase. Also her group has addressed the analysis of the damage caused by these virulence factors in epithelial cells and at the intestinal epithelium in order to understand at the molecular level the pathogenic mechanisms in experimental giardiasis. These studies will define parasite components involved in epithelial cell damage and these may allow the design of new strategies for the control and prevention of giardiasis both in humans and in animals.Her group has also approached the study of the mechanisms involved in the induction of resistance to drugs commonly used in the treatment of giardiasis. They have approached this by the generation of resistant G. duodenalis strains and clones to different drugs and these have been used to identified both, mechanisms and molecules that are involved, particularly, in the resistance to albendazole. These studies will allow understanding the processes involved in the induction ofdrug resistance in Giardia and will contribute to develop other useful methods for the treatment of the giardiasis.