Molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis haplotypes in marine animals: variation and zoonotic potential.

ABSTRACT: Giardia intestinalis is a microbial eukaryotic parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans and other vertebrates worldwide. The negative effect on quality of life and economics caused by G. intestinalis may be increased by its potential status as a zoonosis, or a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The zoonotic potential of G. intestinalis has been implied for over 2 decades, with human-infecting genotypes (belonging to the 2 major subgroups, Assemblages A and B) occurring in wildlife and domesticated animals. There are recent reports of G. intestinalis in shellfish, seals, sea lions and whales, suggesting that marine animals are also potential reservoirs of human disease. However, the prevalence, genetic diversity and effect of G. intestinalis in marine environmen

SUBMITTER: Lasek-Nesselquist E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9275365 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature