Project name: Nematocida parisii

Description: The nematode-killer from Paris has recently been described as a new species of microsporidia. The first described specimen was isolated near Paris, France hence the name Nematocida parisii. This intracellular pathogen was isolated from wild-caught Caenorhabditis elegans. Microsporidia are common parasites of C. elegans found in diverse geographic locations. The interaction between C. elegans and N. parisii provides a convenient system to study intestinal parasite infection in vivo and provides an inexpensive system in which to screen anti-microsporidian drugs.

Last updated: 2010-09-01