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Elmahallawy EK, Sadek HA, Aboelsoued D, Aloraini MA, Alkhaldi AAM, Abdel-Rahman SM, Bakir HY, Arafa MI, Hassan EA, Elbaz E, Hassanen EAA, El-Gohary FA, Gareh A. Parasitological, Molecular, and Epidemiological Investigation of Cryptosporidium Infection Among Cattle and Buffalo Calves From Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:899854. [PMID: 35782567 PMCID: PMC9247641 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.899854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Details about the epidemiological patterns and real contributions of different reservoir animals in maintaining the transmission cycle of Cryptosporidium spp. in Upper Egypt remain lacking. This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle and buffalo (n = 608) from Upper Egypt. The parasite for the resulting positive samples by fecal examination was molecularly identified using nested PCR targeting the small subunit rRNA. Moreover, several explanatory variables, including animals' age, sex, condition, seasonal variations, were examined to describe the epidemiological pattern of the disease. Interestingly, the fecal examination revealed that 33.55% (204/608) of the animals under study were infected with Cryptosporidium, including 38.27% among cattle and 28.16% among buffalo. The parasite was molecularly identified using nested PCR, and their amplicons were identified in almost all fecal samples using microscopy (202/204). According to age as an individual variable factor, the infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle calves with ages of <1, 1–3, and >3 months were 39.13, 34.04, and 54.54%, respectively. Meanwhile, in buffalo calves, the occurrence rates were 28.57, 27.27, and 29.41%, respectively. Regarding sex, female cattle calves were more susceptible to Cryptosporidium infection (51.28%) than males (26.19%) (p < 0.05), whereas male buffalo calves had a higher infection rate (32.25%) than females (25%). According to seasonal variations, the infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle calves during spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 42.11, 30.43, 30, and 52.63%, respectively. In contrast, lower infection rates of 30, 21.42, 23.52, and 35% were reported in buffalo calves during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The rate of infection was 45.16% in diarrheic cattle calves and 15.78% in non-diarrheic ones (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the infection rate was 33.96% in diarrheic buffalo calves and 11.11% in non-diarrheic ones (p < 0.05). This study reported a higher occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection among the animals under study and revealed that buffalos and cattle can contribute to maintaining the transmission cycle of this zoonotic parasite in Upper Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
| | | | - Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Centre, Veterinary Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha A. Aloraini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Salma M. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Hanna Y. Bakir
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | | | - Ehssan Ahmed Hassan
- Biology Department, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Elzahara Elbaz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eman A. A. Hassanen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Fatma A. El-Gohary
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight new findings on the relevance of gastrointestinal protozoan infections to global public health in low-income and middle-income countries and suggest new large-scale interventions. RECENT FINDINGS New disease burden assessments and epidemiological studies highlight the role of the major intestinal protozoa as important etiologic disease agents in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite their prevalence and adverse health impact, such information has not yet translated to the implementation of large-scale interventions as exist for helminth infections and other neglected tropical diseases. There are also several key research and development questions that must be addressed for intestinal protozoan infections and the potential need for new tools, for example, drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines. Additional studies have identified new and emerging species of intestinal protozoa relevant to global public health such as Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis and how they too might emerge as important gastrointestinal pathogens in the coming years. SUMMARY New and emerging information on intestinal protozoa are reviewed with emphasis on aspects considered relevant to global health policymakers including prospects for scaling up interventions against intestinal protozoan infections in resource-poor countries.
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Borad AJ, Allison GM, Wang D, Ahmed S, Karim MM, Kane AV, Moy J, Hibberd PL, Ajjampur SSR, Kang G, Calderwood SB, Ryan ET, Naumova E, Khan WA, Ward HD. Systemic antibody responses to the immunodominant p23 antigen and p23 polymorphisms in children with cryptosporidiosis in Bangladesh. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 86:214-22. [PMID: 22302851 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhea in children in developing countries. However, there is no vaccine available and little is known about immune responses to protective antigens. We investigated antibody responses to p23, a putative vaccine candidate, in children in Bangladesh with cryptosporidiosis and diarrhea (cases) and uninfected children with diarrhea (controls), and p23 gene polymorphisms in infecting species. Serum IgM, IgG, and IgA responses to p23 were significantly greater in cases than controls after three weeks of follow-up. Cases with acute diarrhea had significantly greater serum IgA and IgM responses than those with persistent diarrhea, which suggested an association with protection from prolonged disease. The p23 sequences were relatively conserved among infecting species and subtype families. Although most children were infected with Cryptosporidium hominis, there was a cross-reactive antibody response to C. parvum antigen. These results support further development of p23 as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoli J Borad
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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Allison GM, Rogers KA, Borad A, Ahmed S, Karim MM, Kane AV, Hibberd PL, Naumova EN, Calderwood SB, Ryan ET, Khan WA, Ward HD. Antibody responses to the immunodominant Cryptosporidium gp15 antigen and gp15 polymorphisms in a case-control study of cryptosporidiosis in children in Bangladesh. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 85:97-104. [PMID: 21734132 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Cryptospridium hominis is the dominant Cryptosporidium species infecting humans, immune responses to cognate antigens in C. hominis-infected persons have not been reported. We investigated antibody responses to the immunodominant gp15 antigen from C. hominis and C. parvum, in C. hominis-infected Bangladeshi children less than five years of age with diarrhea (cases) and uninfected children with diarrhea (controls). We also investigated polymorphisms in the C. hominis gp15 sequence from cases. Serum IgG responses to gp15 from both species were significantly greater in cases than controls. In spite of polymorphisms in the gp15 sequence, there was a significant correlation between antibody levels to gp15 from both species, indicating cross-reactivity to conserved epitopes. Cases with acute diarrhea had a significantly greater serum IgA response to gp15 compared with those with persistent diarrhea, suggesting that this response may be associated with protection from prolonged disease. These findings support further investigation of gp15 as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genève M Allison
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center and Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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5
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Comparison of protective immune responses to apicomplexan parasites. J Parasitol Res 2011; 2012:852591. [PMID: 21876783 PMCID: PMC3159010 DOI: 10.1155/2012/852591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes the species Plasmodium, Eimeria, Toxoplasma, and Babesia amongst others, are the most successful intracellular pathogens known to humankind. The widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance to most drugs used to date has sparked a great deal of research and commercial interest in the development of vaccines as alternative control strategies. A few antigens from the asexual and sexual stages of apicomplexan development have been identified and their genes characterised; however, the fine cellular and molecular details of the effector mechanisms crucial for parasite inhibition and stimulation of protective immunity are still not entirely understood. This paper provides an overview of what is currently known about the protective immune response against the various types of apicomplexan parasites and focuses mainly on the similarities of these pathogens and their host interaction. Finally, the evolutionary relationships of these parasites and their hosts, as well as the modulation of immune functions that are critical in determining the outcome of the infection by these pathogenic organisms, are discussed.
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Innes EA, Bartley PM, Rocchi M, Benavidas-Silvan J, Burrells A, Hotchkiss E, Chianini F, Canton G, Katzer F. Developing vaccines to control protozoan parasites in ruminants: Dead or alive? Vet Parasitol 2011; 180:155-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Thompson RCA, Olson ME, Zhu G, Enomoto S, Abrahamsen MS, Hijjawi NS. Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2009; 59:77-158. [PMID: 16182865 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(05)59002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is one of the most common enteric protozoan parasites of vertebrates with a wide host range that includes humans and domestic animals. It is a significant cause of diarrhoeal disease and an ubiquitous contaminant of water which serves as an excellent vehicle for transmission. A better understanding of the development and life cycle of Cryptosporidium, and new insights into its phylogenetic relationships, have illustrated the need to re-evaluate many aspects of the biology of Cryptosporidium. This has been reinforced by information obtained from the recent successful Cryptosporidium genome sequencing project, which has emphasised the uniqueness of this organism in terms of its parasite life style and evolutionary biology. This chapter provides an up to date review of the biology, biochemistry and host parasite relationships of Cryptosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C A Thompson
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
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Abstract
Infectious diarrhea in calves is most commonly associated with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, coronavirus, or some combination of these pathogens. Each of these agents leads to diarrhea through either secretion or malabsorption/maldigestion, though the specific mechanisms and pathways may differ. Specific pharmacologic control and treatment are dependent on gaining a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Foster
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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9
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Thompson RCA, Palmer CS, O'Handley R. The public health and clinical significance of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in domestic animals. Vet J 2007; 177:18-25. [PMID: 18032076 PMCID: PMC7128580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 09/18/2007] [Accepted: 09/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common enteric parasites of domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and livestock. Their occurrence is of potential significance from both clinical and public health perspectives yet, until recently, confusion over the taxonomy of these organisms prevented a clear understanding of the epidemiology of infections with both Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The recent application of molecular epidemiological tools has helped to resolve taxonomic issues, allowing cycles of transmission to be determined. In addition, advances have been made in elucidating mechanisms associated with pathogenesis, whereas only limited progress has been achieved in the areas of chemotherapy and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Andrew Thompson
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Molecular Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
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10
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Abstract
Although they differ considerably with respect to their biology, both Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are common in ruminants, whereas Cryptosporidium andersoni is not. G. duodenalis infections are acquired during the first few months of life, tend to be chronic, and may be a production-limiting disease of ruminants. C. parvum infections remain an important cause of diarrhea in neonatal ruminants. Abomasal cryptosporidiosis, caused by C. andersoni, is an emerging disease of cattle that may affect both beef and dairy herds. This article reviews the life cycles, production impacts, treatments, controls, and zoonotic potentials of these important ruminant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M O'Handley
- Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6164, Australia
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11
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Turánek J, Kasná A, Koudela B, Ledvina M, Miller AD. Stimulation of innate immunity in newborn kids againstCryptosporidium parvuminfection-challenge by intranasal/per-oral administration of liposomal formulation of N-L18-norAbu-GMDP adjuvant. Parasitology 2005; 131:601-8. [PMID: 16255818 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005007924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2004] [Revised: 12/21/2004] [Accepted: 03/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The effects of a liposomal preparation of lipophilic immunomodulator β-D-GlcNstearoyl-(1-4)-norMurNAc-L-Abu-D-isoGln (N-L18-norAbu-GMDP) were investigated on resistance toCryptosporidium parvuminfection in neonatal kids. The liposomal preparation was administered subcutaneously or intranasally/orally (i.n./p.o.) twice at doses of 100 μg, 200 μg, or 1000 μg per kid pre-infection challenge. The treatment schemes were (i) 72 and 24 h pre-infection challenge, (ii) 24 h pre-infection challenge and 24 h post-infection challenge (oral inoculation with 1×107oocysts ofC. parvumin 5 ml of PBS). Administration of liposomal N-L18-norAbu-GMDP by i.n./p.o. route at the cumulative dose of 2000 μg per kid 72 and 24 h pre-infection challenge, lead to substantially increased clearance of coccidian parasites from various parts of the intestine. On the basis of histological examination, the distribution of cryptosporidia in the intestine and the severity of the infection, treated kids were classified on day 5 as having a strong reduction in infection in comparison to the control group (P<0·05). No cryptosporidia were found on the mucosal surface of treated kids by day 10, while the intestines of the control kids were still infected. All doses and routes of administration were judged effective with respect to suppression of cryptosporidia infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Turánek
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62132 Brno, Czech Republic.
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is a history of inadequate treatments for cryptosporidiosis and a lack of understanding of the species that cause human disease. Against this background, we review the efficacy of antiparasitic agents, particularly nitazoxanide, which has led to increased treatment options, the potential for immunotherapy, and consider the role of highly active antiretroviral therapy in reducing the incidence of this opportunistic infection. RECENT FINDINGS Nitazoxanide is effective for cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent and probably immunocompromised patients (with an alteration in the duration of treatment or the dosing regimen). HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy have a dramatically lower incidence of cryptosporidiosis, attributable to the effects of intestinal immune reconstitution as well as the effect on the CD4 cell count. Protease inhibitors have a direct inhibitory effect on Cryptosporidium infection, suggesting a further reason for the reduction in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and implying a further possible therapeutic modality. SUMMARY Cryptosporidiosis remains a significant public health threat. Risk avoidance guidance could be viewed in the more relative terms of risk management depending on the degree of immunosuppression. Of established efficacy in immunocompetent patients, nitazoxanide is also useful for immunocompromised patients. Better prevention and treatment options mean that, in the immunocompromised, this disease is now less common. Immune reconstitution is the key to prevention. Further database mining of the Cryptosporidium genome will assist in the discovery of new genes, biochemical pathways and protective antigens that can be targeted to develop novel therapies for cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw V Smith
- Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK.
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13
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Martín-Gómez S, Alvarez-Sánchez MA, Rojo-Vázquez FA. Immunization protocols against Cryptosporidium parvum in ovines: protection in suckling lambs. Vet Parasitol 2005; 129:11-20. [PMID: 15817197 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2004] [Revised: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 11/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovine colostrum and milk from immunized ewes were tested for their ability to prevent cryptosporidiosis in the lambs experimentally infected with 10(6) oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum at 36-48 h of age (day 0 post-infection). All lambs became infected and developed clinical cryptosporidiosis. However, lambs fed by immunized dams have shown shedding involved, significantly, fewer oocysts and lasted for a shorter period than in control lambs. In addition, diarrhoea was less severe. The best results emerged in lambs of ewes immunized by intramuscular injection of an emulsion of 2 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant and 2 ml of C. parvum antigen in sterile phosphate buffered saline solution, administrated four weeks before parturition, together with an intramammary infusion of 25 microg of antigen in 2 ml of sterile PBS emulsified in 2 ml of Freund's incomplete adjuvant, which showed the highest anti-C. parvum titres in lacteal secretions. In their case, the onset of output of oocysts was delayed by two days, the patent period was shortened by three days, their diarrhoea continued for only three days, and the quantity of oocysts shed decreased by 77%. The outcome was that at the end of the study they had a live weight gain of 2 kg more than the lambs in the control group. These results indicate that lactogenic immunoprophylaxis should help mitigate the financial losses caused by cryptosporidiosis in small ruminants, as well as reducing the risk of infection of humans through the decreased contamination of the environment with oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Martín-Gómez
- Dpt. Patología Animal (Sanidad Animal), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, C/Profesor Pedro Cármenes s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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Shirafuji H, Xuan X, Kimata I, Takashima Y, Fukumoto S, Otsuka H, Nagasawa H, Suzuki H. Expression of P23 of Cryptosporidium parvum in Toxoplasma gondii and Evaluation of its Protective Effects. J Parasitol 2005; 91:476-9. [PMID: 15986633 DOI: 10.1645/ge-364r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, P23 of Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites, an immunodominant surface protein, was stably expressed in Toxoplasma gondii (Tg/P23) and its protective effects were evaluated in a mouse model. The molecular weight and antigenic property of P23 expressed by Tg/P23 were similar to those of the native P23. Mice immunized with lysed Tg/P23 tachyzoites produced specific neutralizing antibodies against C. parvum. These findings indicate that the T. gondii vector may provide a new tool for the production of a recombinant vaccine against cryptosporidiosis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Disease, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokaido, Japan
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Ramirez NE, Ward LA, Sreevatsan S. A review of the biology and epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. Microbes Infect 2005; 6:773-85. [PMID: 15207825 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis, an infection caused by several genotypically and phenotypically diverse Cryptosporidium species, has been dynamically changing over the past decade from that of a rare, largely asymptomatic infection to an acute enteric disease of animals and humans. In this review, the current understanding of factors (biology and epidemiology) contributing to the emergence of cryptosporidiosis in animals, including parasite biology, genetic diversity, environmental spread, livestock production trends, presence of the parasite in livestock and companion animals, and potential risk of transmission from animals to humans is highlighted. Potential control measures and the role of veterinary and medical professionals in the prevention of cryptosporidiosis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma E Ramirez
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Food Animal Health Research Program, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, FAHRP Building, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
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Hijjawi NS, Meloni BP, Ng'anzo M, Ryan UM, Olson ME, Cox PT, Monis PT, Thompson RCA. Complete development of Cryptosporidium parvum in host cell-free culture. Int J Parasitol 2004; 34:769-77. [PMID: 15157759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2004.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2004] [Revised: 04/08/2004] [Accepted: 04/08/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the complete in vitro development of Cryptosporidium parvum (cattle genotype) in RPMI-1640 maintenance medium devoid of host cells. This represents the first report in which Cryptosporidium is shown to multiply, develop and complete its life cycle without the need for host cells. Furthermore, cultivation of Cryptosporidium in diphasic medium consisting of a coagulated new born calf serum base overlaid with maintenance medium greatly increased the total number of Cryptosporidium stages. Type I and II meronts were detected giving rise to two morphologically different merozoites. Type I meronts, which appear as grape-like clusters as early as 48 h post culture inoculation, release merozoites, which are actively motile, and circular to oval in shape. Type II meronts group in a rosette-like pattern and could not be detected until day 3 of culturing. Most of the merozoites released from type II meronts are generally spindle-shaped with pointed ends, while others are rounded or pleomorphic. In contrast to type I, merozoites from type II meronts are less active and larger in size. Sexual stages (micro and macrogamonts) were observed within 6-7 days of culturing. Microgamonts were darker than macrogamonts, with developing microgametes, which could be seen accumulating at the periphery. Macrogamonts have a characteristic peripheral nucleus and smooth outer surface. Oocysts at different levels of sporulation were seen 8 days post culture inoculation. Cultures were terminated after 4 months when the C. parvum life cycle was still being perpetuated with the presence of large numbers of excysting and intact oocysts. Culture-derived oocysts obtained after 46 days p.i. were infective to 7- to 8-day-old ARC/Swiss mice. The impact of C. parvum developing in cell-free culture is very significant and will facilitate many aspects of Cryptosporidium research.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Hijjawi
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for the Molecular Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
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He H, Zhao B, Liu L, Zhou K, Qin X, Zhang Q, Li X, Zheng C, Duan M. The Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Mice Induced by DNA Vaccine Expressing the Sporozoite Surface Protein ofCryptosporidium parvum. DNA Cell Biol 2004; 23:335-9. [PMID: 15169612 DOI: 10.1089/104454904323090967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis, a protozoan disease, is caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in animals and humans. To study the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by DNA vaccine expressing the sporozoite surface protein, CP15/60, of Cryptosporidium parvum, the recombinant plasmid containing the CP15/60 gene was injected into tibialis a interior muscle of BALB/c mice. The mice were subsequently given booster doses twice at 3-week intervals. The humoral and cellular immune responses were detected at different times after immunization. The mice were then challenged by inoculation of 1 x 10(6) oocysts of C. parvum. The experimental results have shown that the recombinant plasmid can induce corresponding specific immune responses and thus protect the mice from challenge of the oocysts, suggesting that the recombinant plasmid could be a potential candidate of DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
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18
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Olson ME, O'Handley RM, Ralston BJ, McAllister TA, Thompson RCA. Update on Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in cattle. Trends Parasitol 2004; 20:185-91. [PMID: 15099558 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2004.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Merle E Olson
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, 3900 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Delgado E, Fonseca IP, Fazendeiro I, Matos O, Antunes F, Cunha MB. CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. IN RUMINANTS AT THE LISBON ZOO. J Zoo Wildl Med 2003; 34:352-6. [PMID: 15077710 DOI: 10.1638/02-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Feces from 34 species of ruminants housed at the Lisbon Zoo was examined for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Three hundred and eighty-eight samples were analyzed. Three hundred and eighty species-specific group fecal samples were collected monthly, from September 1998 until August 1999, along with eight individual specimens from eight neonates. All samples were examined by four different techniques: microscopic observation of direct and concentrated fecal smears, staining with modified Ziehl-Nielsen, immunofluorescent assay, and immunoenzymatic assay. The prevalence of infection was 3.6%. Five neonates with diarrhea were infected. Cryptosporidial oocysts were shed more frequently during winter months. Some facilities may have permitted oocysts to remain viable, possibly contributing to cryptosporidial transmission between animals.
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Abstract
The importance of B cells in host resistance to, and recovery from, Cryptosporidium parvum infection was examined in gene-targeted B cell-deficient (muMT-/-) mice. Neonatal muMT-/- mice infected with C. parvum at 5 days of age completely cleared the infection by day 20 PI. The kinetics of infection and clearance were similar to those seen with age-matched C57BL/6 control mice. Furthermore, B cells were not required to clear existing C. parvum infection in adult mice. Reconstitution of persistently infected Rag-1-/- adult mice with spleen cells from muMT-/- donor mice resulted in significant reduction of infection, as in the results seen with spleen cells from C57BL6 donors. These findings indicate clearly that B cells are not essential for host resistance to, and recovery from, C. parvum infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxue Chen
- Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0R6.
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21
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De Graaf DC, De Coninck H, Petry F, Eeckhout IB, Peeters JE. Specific bovine antibody response against a new recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum antigen containing 4 zinc-finger motifs. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2002; 40:59-64. [PMID: 11949214 PMCID: PMC2721057 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2002.40.1.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite and oocyst lambda gt11 cDNA library was screened with a hyperimmune rabbit serum that was developed against insoluble fragments of ultrasonicated oocysts. A clone named Cp22.4.1 encoding a protein of 231 amino acids with 4 zinc-finger domains characterized by a Cys-X2-Cys-X4-His-X4-Cys motif was isolated and characterized. There was a complete match between the sequencing data of the coding region of Cp22.4.1 and the corresponding gene at chromosomal level. Cloning in a pBAD-TOPO-TA expression vector permitted to evaluate the antigenicity of the recombinant His-tagged antigen. This antigen was recognized by 2 out of 5 sera from Cryptosporidium immune calves and not by sera from parasite naive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk C De Graaf
- Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Groeselenberg 99, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Abstract
Protozoa are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in domestic and companion animals. Preventing infection may involve deliberate exposure to virulent or attenuated parasites so that immunity to natural infection is established early in life. This is the basis for vaccines against theilerosis and avian coccidiosis. Vaccination may not be effective or practical with diseases, such as cryptosporidiosis, that primarily afflict the immune-compromised or individuals with an incompletely developed immune system. Strategies for combating these diseases often rely on passive immunotherapy using serum or colostrums containing antibodies to parasite surface proteins. Subunit vaccines offer an attractive alternative to virulent or attenuated parasites for several reasons. These include the use of bacteria or lower eukaryotes to produce recombinant proteins in batch culture, the relative stability of recombinant proteins compared to live parasites, and the flexibility to incorporate only those antigens that elicit "protective" immune responses. Although subunit vaccines offer many theoretical advantages, our lack of understanding of immune mechanisms to primary and secondary infection and the capacity of many protozoa to evade host immunity remain obstacles to developing effective vaccines. This review examines the progress made on developing recombinant proteins of Eimeria, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, Neospora, Trypanosoma, Babesia, and Theileria and attempts to use these antigens for vaccinating animals against the associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Jenkins
- Immunology and Disease Resistance Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MA 20705, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Over the last decade, the anti-parasitics market has been the fastest growing sector of the overall $18 billion animal health market. While drugs for the treatment of parasites of livestock still dominate this sector and will continue to be developed or re-formulated, because of consumer demands for chemical-free food and of concerns regarding the environment and animal welfare there is a growing interest in the development of safe and effective vaccines. There is also a call for vaccines in the lucrative $3 billion-plus companion animal market. These demands for vaccines will add a greater impetus to an area that has seen tremendous success in the last 15 years. A number of anti-parasite vaccines have been developed, e.g. the recombinant 45w and EG95 oncosphere proteins against Taenia ovis and Echinococcus granulosis, respectively, and the Bm86 vaccine against Boophilus microplus. In addition, the cathepsin L vaccines against the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, and the H11 vaccine against Haemonchus contortus are progressing well. There are also many additional vaccine candidates for H. contortus and for other nematodes such as Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus spp. that may ultimately lead to broad-spectrum gastrointestinal worm vaccines. Live or attenuated-live vaccines are available for the control of avian coccidiosis, toxplasmosis in sheep and anaplasmosis in cattle, although molecular vaccines against protozoans are still proving elusive. The wealth of information in genomics, proteomics and immunology that has been forthcoming together will new methods of vaccine production and delivery should see many new vaccines reach the marketplace in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dalton
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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24
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Abstract
Mammalian colostrum offers passive protection to the newborn against a variety of microbial pathogens, in the form of specific immunoglobulin A, G and M antibodies. Sharing maternal immunological memory is in many cases vital for the infant, but may have disastrous consequences, such as involuntary transfer of disease and disturbance of the developing immune system. In most published studies, immune milk preparations are reported to be effective in the prevention of various gastroenteric infections, but not in the treatment of an established infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Lilius
- Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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25
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de Graaf DC, Vanopdenbosch E, Ortega-Mora LM, Abbassi H, Peeters JE. A review of the importance of cryptosporidiosis in farm animals. Int J Parasitol 1999; 29:1269-87. [PMID: 10576578 PMCID: PMC7127282 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(99)00076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are coccidian parasites with a large capacity to reproduce and to disseminate. Several species are known to infect farm animals, although the economic importance of cryptosporidiosis is highly host species dependent. This paper reviews the impact of cryptosporidial infections in livestock and poultry. For different farm animals, the Cryptosporidium spp. that occur, as well as their clinical and pathological features, and their interactions with other pathogens, are described. In addition, data concerning the prevalence, the transmission and the epidemiology of the disease are mentioned and a description of the economic losses associated with cryptosporidiosis in each of the hosts is given. Cryptosporidiosis seems to be mainly a problem in neonatal ruminants. Cryptosporidium parvum is considered to be an important agent in the aetiology of the neonatal diarrhoea syndrome of calves, lambs and goat kids, causing considerable direct and indirect economic losses. Avian cryptosporidiosis is an emerging health problem in poultry, associated with respiratory disease in chickens and other Galliformes, and with intestinal disease in turkeys and quails. Because of limited availability of effective drugs, the control of cryptosporidiosis relies mainly on hygienic measures and good management.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C de Graaf
- Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Brussels, Belgium.
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