Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Parasitic Protozoa

Dear Colleagues,

Parasitic protozoa include apicomplexan, ciliate, flagellate, and amoeba species, many of which are vector-transmitted. They limit animal production in many geographic regions and are responsible for most human deaths worldwide. It is imperative to monitor these pathogens in hosts and the environment and to develop control strategies. Commonly, protozoan species of a given genus cannot be differentiated microscopically. Genetic approaches are essential for their study and have enabled previously unimaginable research opportunities. Molecular tools facilitate the identification of novel species and variants and the discovery of cryptic species. In addition, they allow us to determine population diversity and structure. Parasite–host coevolution is of particular interest. Notably, these parasites evolve far more rapidly than their hosts due to their shorter generation times and larger population sizes. Molecular phylogeny can reveal coevolutionary patterns over time, allowing a profound insight into the evolutionary history of parasites in relation to their hosts. Coevolution results from a highly balanced arms race between parasite virulence and escape strategies and the evolution of immune defense mechanisms by the host. The increasing analysis and study of parasite genomes allow us to reveal this evolutionary process at a genomic level.

The aim of this Special Issue “Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Parasitic Protozoa” is to present original research work or reviews based on the genetics of parasites including molecular phylogenetic analysis to identify novel or cryptic species as well as molecular epidemiological approaches that allow to detect and trace parasite species and their variants in the host population or the environment. In addition, manuscripts that study parasite diversity and population structure are highly welcome. Of particular interest are molecular phylogenetic studies that address the molecular evolution of parasites in relation to their hosts, aiming to reveal their evolutionary history. Finally, genetic or genomic studies demonstrating the evolution of parasites and parasite genes as an adaptation to their hosts and their immune defense are welcome. This Special Issue aims to trace the bow from the description of novel parasite species, the diversity and structure of parasite populations, and their molecular phylogeny in relation to their hosts to the genetic changes that can be observed in parasite genes or genomes due to coevolutionary adaptations to hosts and their immune response.

Dr. Leonhard Schnittger
Dr. Monica Florin-Christensen
Dr. Sabrina Ganzinelli
Guest Editors

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