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Published on: September 14, 2019
Virulence of geographically different Cryptosporidium parvum isolates in experimental animal model
Fatma G. Sayed1, Amany I. Hamza1, Lamia A. Galal1
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium parvum is a coccidian parasite which causes gastrointestinal disease in humans and a variety of other mammalian species. Several studies have reported different degrees of pathogenicity and virulence among Cryptosporidium species and isolates of the same species as well as evidence of variation in host susceptibility to infection. The study aimed to investigate infectivity and virulence of two Cryptosporidium parvum “Iowa isolate” (CpI) and a “local water isolate” (CpW). Thirty-three Swiss albino mice have been divided into three groups: Negative control Group (C), the CpI group infected with “Iowa isolate “and the CpW group infected with C. parvum oocysts isolated from a local water supply. Infectivity and virulence have been measured by evaluating clinical, parasitological and histological aspects of infection. Significant differences were detected regarding oocysts shedding rate, clinical outcomes, and the histopathological picture of the intestine, lung, and brain. It was concluded that the local water isolate is significantly more virulent than the exported one.
Insights
A local Cryptosporidium parvum water isolate showed higher virulence than the Iowa isolate in mice. This study highlights variations in parasite pathogenicity and host susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum causes gastrointestinal illness in mammals.
- Pathogenicity varies among Cryptosporidium species and isolates.
- Host susceptibility to infection can differ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the infectivity and virulence of two Cryptosporidium parvum isolates: Iowa isolate (CpI) and a local water isolate (CpW).
- To assess differences in pathogenicity and host response between the isolates.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups: control, CpI-infected, and CpW-infected.
- Infectivity and virulence were evaluated through clinical signs, oocyst shedding, and histopathological analysis of organs (intestine, lung, brain).
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in oocyst shedding rates between the groups.
- Clinical outcomes and histopathological findings in the intestine, lung, and brain varied significantly.
- The local water isolate (CpW) demonstrated greater virulence compared to the Iowa isolate (CpI).
Conclusions:
- The local water isolate of Cryptosporidium parvum is significantly more virulent than the Iowa isolate.
- Findings underscore the importance of isolate-specific virulence in Cryptosporidium parvum infections and host responses.
