[Production of a monoclonal anti-Cryptosporidium sp. antibody for paraffin-embedded sections]

Since the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, human Cryptosporidiosis has received increased attention. A provisional histological diagnosis can be made on gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens by light microscopy by showing small round organisms of 2-5 microns attached to the epithelial cell apex. The definitive diagnosis of certitude can only be made by electron microscopy with the identification of various developmental stages of the parasites. We have produced a monoclonal antibody specific to Cryptosporidium sp. usable in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Such a monoclonal antibody would be an important tool for histological diagnosis of human Cryptosporidiosis.