Cryptosporidium systematics and implications for public health

There is controversy in the taxonomy of Cryptosporidium parasites and the p ublic health significance of Cryptosporidium isolates from various animals. Recent advances in molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium parasites have allowed the re-examination of species structure of the genus Cryptosp oridium. Non-parvum Cryptosporidium spp and new C. parvum genotypes in immu nocompromised humans can now be clearly detected. In this article, Lihua Xi ao and colleagues summarize the current biological and molecular evidence f or different Cryptosporidium spp, and the public health importance of these species and new C. parvum genotypes.