Intestinal parasitic infections

Outbreaks of foodborne protozoal infections continue to be reported. Identification of imported fruits and berries as transmission vehicles has raised issues of the safety of unprocessed food. Several reports of pseudo-outbreaks have been traced to incorrect initial laboratory diagnosis. Progress has been made in understanding the biology of several intestinal parasites, especially in the area of molecular biology. Basic research continues to far outpace relevant clinical studies. Debate on the role of helminthic infections on general nutritional status continues. A potentially viable approach to control helminthic infections in developing nations has been reported. Vaccine trials remain in the realm of identifying potential candidate agents and testing them in animal models; some candidates show promise against invasive amebiasis.