Protozoan Parasites:Cryptosporidium,Giardia,Cyclospora, andToxoplasma

The foodborne protozoan parasites of particular concern with respect to public health include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Toxoplasma gondii. This chapter outlines the general biology, mechanisms of transmission, and prevalence of infection of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, C. cayetanensis, and T. gondii, and focuses on their prevalence in foods, reported foodborne outbreaks, and the methods available for their detection, characterization, and control.