: Host-Parasite Interactions and Pathogenesis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

spp. ( and ) are a major cause of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality in young children globally. While only infects humans, is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. There are no treatment or control measures to fully treat cryptosporidiosis or prevent the infection in humans and animals. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of -host interactions and the underlying factors that govern infectivity and disease pathogenesis is very limited.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent development of genetics and new animal models of infection, along with progress in cell culture platforms to complete the parasite lifecycle in vitro, is greatly advancing the field.

SUMMARY

In this review, we will discuss our current knowledge of host-parasite interactions and how genetic manipulation of and promising infection models are opening the doors towards an improved understanding of parasite biology and disease pathogenesis.