The Cryptosporidium Production Laboratory is located at the University of Arizona within the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences. The lab is one of the largest producers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and Nluc (containing the luciferase gene; Genetic modification of the diarrhoeal pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. Vinayak, S., et al. 2015. Nature. 523:477-480) C. parvum oocysts, which is shipped to numerous customers worldwide (described in Schaefer D. et. al. 2016. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 214:1856-1864). Cryptosporidium research efforts in the Cryptosporidium Production Laboratory have contributed to monoclonal antibody detection techniques, production and purification methods, viability testing methods and genomic identification methods.

We are also available for testing promising new candidates for treating cryptosporidiosis (drugs, colostrum, MAbs, etc.). These would be evaluated in the Riggs’ laboratory at the University of Arizona. The goal of the project would be to conduct efficacy and safety/toxicity testing of treatment candidates in the calf model of clinical cryptosporidiosis to identify leads.  PK studies can also be performed in calves. If you are interested, please see the Contacts page.

Production of the Iowa isolate oocysts consists of propagation in neonatal Holstein calves approximately 1 - 2 times per month.  The oocysts are purified using discontinuous sucrose and cesium chloride centrifugation gradients.  Our purified oocysts are stored at 4 degrees Celsius in an antibiotic solution containing 0.01% Tween 20, 100U of penicillin, 100 ug of gentamicin per ml. When purchasing Nluc C. parvum oocysts, a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) will need to be filed due to the Promega licensing agreement. If you would like to place an order with us, set up a MTA for Nluc oocysts, or have any questions, please see the Contacts page.

ANNOUNCEMENT: UA Partners with Reagent Company to Offer Anti-Cryptosporidium Monoclonal Antibodies for Research and Development Purposes

Click here to view a panel of monoclonal antibodies generated against Cryptosporidium parvum in the Riggs' lab, now licensed to and available through Kerafast Inc. These monoclonals should be useful for a variety of research applications, including diagnostics, immunotherapeutics and antigen/epitope characterization. Some of the MAbs also bind C. hominis and other Cryptosporidium species such as C. meleagridis and C. muris. Plans are to continue to add additional reagents in the future so check back or inquire for monoclonals of specific interest (described in Schaefer D. et. al. 2000. Infection and Immunity, 68:2608–2616).

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Source: CDC Public Health Image Library (formerly: Sterling Parasitology Lab)

About Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite that causes widespread gastrointestinal illness. The infective form of the parasite is extremely environmentally hardy and has a high resistance to disinfectants including chlorine. Transmission occurs via consumption of contaminated water or food, or through person-to-person contact. Once oocysts are ingested they excyst in the small intestine and result in infection of intestinal epithelial tissue. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, malabsorption, stomach cramping, and watery diarrhea. The infection is self-limiting in healthy people, but can cause serious health issues for children and immunocompromised individuals. There is no reliable treatment for infection and symptoms are typically targeted with rehydration salts and large amounts of fluids.