Phylogenetic relationships among isolates of Cryptosporidium: Evidence forseveral new species

Isolates of Cryptosporidium were characterized using nucleotide sequence an alysis of the 18S rRNA and dihydrofolate reductase genes and also random-am plified polymorphic DNA analysis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the valid ity of the species of Cryptosporidium examined in this study such as Crypto spordium muris and Cryptosporidium baileyi, and also reinforced evidence fr om numerous researchers worldwide suggesting that Cryptosporidium parvum is not a single uniform species. The data obtained provided strong support fo r the validity of Cryptosporidium felis. Evidence suggests that the newly i dentified marsupial and pig genotypes may also be distinct and valid specie s, but biological studies are required for confirmation.