Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
Published on: September 14, 2019
Natural infections with Cryptosporidium in the endangered spotted souslik (Spermophilus suslicus)
1Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland. a.kloch@uj.edu.pl
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium is an intestinal protozoan parasite prevalent in a wide range of mammals. Although it has been recorded in many hosts, its impact on endangered species is poorly understood. Here we present a preliminary study of four populations of the highly threatened spotted souslik (Spermophilus suslicus), living in the westernmost part of the species range. The populations inhabit fragmented habitats and suffer from loss of genetic variation. An IFA test revealed that 35.9% of sampled animals (41/114) was infected with Cryptosporidium and none with Giardia. The prevalence and infection intensity differed among the populations. In areas grazed by cattle it was about 3 folds higher, which suggests a possible transmission route. To the authors best knowledge the present study is the first report of Cryptosporidium infections in S. suslicus.
Related Concept Videos
Symbiosis
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Diversity of Protists II
Diversity of Protists I
