Advances in Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Vaccines, and Treatment of Diseases Caused by Apicomplexan Parasites

Many of the Apicomplexan parasites are important pathogens of human and domestic animals. They are eukaryotic and share many metabolic pathways with their animal hosts, which makes therapeutic target development extremely difficult. Over the years, great efforts in epidemiology, vector control, and the use of medicinal drugs have been very helpful in bringing reduced incidence around the world. While there has been a great deal of advancements toward the eradication of Apicomplexa-based disease, the elimination is far from being in sight. Considering the diversity of diseases caused by Apicomplexan parasites, such as Malaria, Babesiosis, Cryptosporidiosis and Toxoplasmosis that contribute largely to deadly parasitic infectious diseases, no effective vaccines and limited drugs are available at present. We envision that this research topic will bring valuable insights supporting the development of novel strategies for controlling diseases caused by Apicomplexan parasites.
With this Research Topic we aim at gathering recent advances in the development of molecular biology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of diseases caused by Apicomplexan parasites. Moreover, vaccine development and new drugs with great medical importance for the control and eradication of diseases including (but not limited to) Malaria, Babesiosis, Cryptosporidiosis and Toxoplasmosis are encouraged.
We welcome prospective authors to contribute Original Research and Review articles covering the following topics:
1. Omics analysis in Apicomplexan Parasites.
2. Biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Apicomplexan Parasites.
3. Biomarkers discoveries for diagnosis of Apicomplexan parasites.
4. Exploration of new vaccine candidates against Apicomplexan Parasites.
5. Screening of novel drugs or repurposing of existing drugs for the treatment of diseases caused by Apicomplexan parasites.