Related Experiment Videos
Characterization of Cryptosporidium meleagridis of human origin passaged through different host species
Donna E Akiyoshi1, Julia Dilo, Christine Pearson
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium meleagridis, a protozoon first observed in turkeys, has been linked by several investigators to cryptosporidiosis in humans. C. meleagridis is the only known Cryptosporidium species that infects both avian and mammalian species. We describe the successful propagation of C. meleagridis (isolate TU1867), originally purified from a patient with diarrhea, in laboratory animals including chickens, mice, piglets, and calves. TU1867 was readily transmitted from one animal host to another, maintaining genetic homogeneity and stability. The rate of infectivity and virulence of TU1867 for the mammalian species were similar to those of Cryptosporidium parvum. Laboratory propagation of genetically and phenotypically stable and well-characterized reference isolates, representing various Cryptosporidium species, particularly those infectious to humans, will improve considerably the spectrum and quality of laboratory and field investigations on this medically important protozoa.
Insights
Cryptosporidium meleagridis, a protozoon infecting birds and mammals, was successfully propagated in laboratory animals. This research provides stable reference isolates for studying cryptosporidiosis in humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Medical Protozoology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptosporidium meleagridis, a protozoon identified in turkeys, has been implicated in human cryptosporidiosis.
- This species is unique in its ability to infect both avian and mammalian hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the successful laboratory propagation of Cryptosporidium meleagridis (isolate TU1867) in various animal models.
- To assess the infectivity and stability of the propagated isolate for future research.
Main Methods:
- Propagation of C. meleagridis isolate TU1867 in chickens, mice, piglets, and calves.
- Evaluation of transmission dynamics between animal hosts.
- Assessment of genetic homogeneity and phenotypic stability.
Main Results:
- Successful propagation of C. meleagridis (TU1867) in multiple laboratory animal species.
- Demonstrated ready transmission between hosts with maintained genetic stability.
- Infectivity and virulence in mammals were comparable to Cryptosporidium parvum.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory propagation of stable, well-characterized Cryptosporidium isolates, especially those infectious to humans, is crucial.
- This facilitates improved laboratory and field investigations of medically important protozoa.
- Provides valuable reference material for studying cryptosporidiosis transmission and control.