Rat model for human cryptosporidiosis.
Effective treatment for Cryptosporidium infection in immunocompromised patients has yet to be found. We report a rodent model of persistent Cryptosporidium infection. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 8 weeks with 25 mg of hydrocortisone acetate. Fed a regular low-protein diet for 9 weeks, they were challenged once with 10(5) calf Cryptosporidium oocysts 5 weeks after the start of the hydrocortisone acetate regimen. Oocyst shedding was evaluated in feces daily by using a carbolfuchsin-staining method. Rats shed oocysts from days 2 to 9 after ingestion and developed a persistent infection for more than 38 days. Excretion was lower after subsequent parasite challenges, suggesting that a degree of protection developed progressively. The results suggest that this experimental model provides a procedure for screening candidate therapeutic agents.
Brasseur
P
P
Department of Parasitology, Hôtel Dieu, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Rouen, France.
Lemeteil
D
D
Ballet
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains / Q000469:parasitology*