| Summary: | Cryptosporidium, a parasitic protist in the phylum Apicomplexa, is hugely successful, as evidenced by its broad host range, global distribution, and resistance to disinfectants and drug treatments. Genetic diversity in the genus Cryptosporidium has been studied for more than three decades, with most research focused on isolates from humans and domestic animals, while research on other vertebrate hosts, including rodents, has lagged. Moreover, our knowledge about the biological characteristics of individual species and genotypes are mostly insufficient or missing. This thesis addresses the prevalence, diversity and biological characteristics of Cryptosporidium in Arvicolinae rodents. Addressing the gap in our knowledge will lead to better understanding of Cryptosporidium diversity and host/tissue specificity.
|
|---|
