Preface

Water is essential for living organisms on Earth, but it can also spread toxic substances and pathogens for humans and animals, particularly in low income Countries. At global level, waterborne pathogen exposure in fact correlates significantly with low socio-economical conditions.

During the recent past, human development, population growth, extreme weather events as well as natural calamities due to climate changes have affected both the quality and quantity of water resources, increasing the occurrence of water-borne infectious diseases. These are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an estimate of 4.0% of global deaths and 5.7% of the global disease burden (in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years) attributable to a complex of factors like water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Water-borne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa are responsible for diarrheal diseases which affect, sometimes in a serious manner, in particular children, worldwide.

This E-book is designed to inform the reader on water-borne protozoa infections in humans.

The audience is represented by medical students, parasitologists, clinical microbiologists, infectivologists, researchers, environmental technicians, people who are engaged in water purification and control and public health personnel. Each chapter addresses the history, morphology and life cycle, global epidemiology and risk factors, immunology and immunopathology, symptoms, diagnosis and detection methods, treatment and perspectives of control for major waterborne parasites transmissible with water, either used for drinking or for recreational activities.

In addition to the parasites considered in this book, others can be transmitted by water, like Toxoplasma gondii for example, but were not considered in this book.

The Editor is grateful to David Di Cave, Marco Lalle, Simonetta Mattiucci, Walhul Khan, Una Ryan, Chuck Sterling, Magda Azab, Nicola Coppola for valuable reviewing process.