Molecular Biology of Parasitic Protozoa

Protozoans are interesting creatures for several reasons, not least of which is their ability to live inside or among the cells of their host while resisting the host’s cellular defences. The rigours of their lifestyle have resulted in the evolution of some remarkable adaptation at the biochemical level; many parasites have dispensed with entire metabolic pathways, and have evolved complex mechanisms for transmission to new hosts. Parasitic protozoa cause some of the major infectious diseases of humans and domestic animals. In recent years, new molecular biological techniques have opened up the study of the biology of these parasites. This study covers the recent developments of a rapidly evolving field of research.