Molecular Epidemiology of Giardia Infections in the Genomic Era

Giardia duodenalis is a major gastrointestinal parasite of humans and animals across the globe. It is also of interest from an evolutionary perspective as it possesses many features that are unique among the eukaryotes, including its distinctive binucleate cell structure. While genomic analysis of a small number of isolates has provided valuable insights, efforts to understand the epidemiology of the disease and the population biology of the parasite have been limited by the molecular tools currently available. We review these tools and assess the impact of affordable and rapid genome sequencing systems increasingly being deployed in diagnostic settings. While these technologies have direct implications for public and veterinary health, they will also improve our understanding of the unique biology of this fascinating parasite.

Automated summary

Giardia duodenalis is a major gastrointestinal parasite worldwide, with a unique binucleate cell structure among eukaryotes. Limited molecular tools have impeded research on the epidemiology and population biology of the parasite, but affordable genome sequencing systems offer new possibilities for study and understanding of this fascinating parasite.