Watch out for this kind of “Crypto” Currency: Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans.  Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of waterborne disease in the U.S., and responsible for serious and potentially fatal infections in HIV positive individuals and malnourished infants. 

Dr. Boris Striepen is a Professor of Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.   Dr. Striepen studies Cryptosporidium and how it causes disease. 

Dr. Striepen talks about how Cryptosporidium multiplies rapidly and has sex inside your intestines, how Cryptosporidium is similar to its cousin the malaria parasite, how genetics can help in the search for new drugs, how someone can catch cryptosporidiosis from a swimming pool or a petting zoo, how bacteria influence the virulence of parasites, and how science beat a career as a harmonica player in a blues band.  

The microCase for listeners to solve is about the great, fantabulous, one and only Montana Jones, and his adventure in the Congo that almost led to his demise.

Participants:

• Karl Klose, Ph.D. (UTSA)
• Boris Striepen, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania)
• Janakiram Seshu, Ph.D. (UTSA)
• Mylea Echazarreta (UTSA)
• Huntyr Menezes (UTSA)
• Michelle Neiner (UTSA)