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A newborn mouse Cryptosporidium parvum infection model: its application to the study of therapeutic and prophylactic measures for controlling cryptosporidiosis in ruminants

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Abstract

In this study, a newborn mouse model of Cryptosporidium parvum infection is presented so as to evaluate therapeutic and prophylactic measures for controlling cryptosporidiosis in ruminants. Ninety-six suckling mice from ten litters were used. The mice in group I were infected with C. parvum oocysts, and the mice in group II served as non-infected controls. In both groups, intensity of infection and serum IgG, IgA and IgM responses were measured at 6, 9, 12 and 16 days post-infection (pi). Experimentally induced infection in mice proved to be similar to natural infections in lambs, kids and calves. Thus, the intensity of infection peaked at 9 days pi then decreased slightly, showing its lowest value at 16 days pi. This decline in the number of oocysts coincided with peaks in IgM and IgA. Finally, non-infected mice had no oocysts and did not show any increase in their anti-C. parvum antibody levels.

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Acknowledgement

This work was partially funded by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fish and Food (project no. AGF95-0507). The protection and welfare of animals used in this study was carried out according to Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.

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  1. Department Patología Animal (Sanidad Animal), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, C/ Profesor Pedro Cármenes s/n, 24071, León, Spain

    S. Martín-Gómez, Ma. Álvarez-Sánchez & Fa. Rojo-Vázquez

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  1. S. Martín-Gómez
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  2. Ma. Álvarez-Sánchez
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  3. Fa. Rojo-Vázquez
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Correspondence to Fa. Rojo-Vázquez.

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Martín-Gómez, S., Álvarez-Sánchez, M. & Rojo-Vázquez, F. A newborn mouse Cryptosporidium parvum infection model: its application to the study of therapeutic and prophylactic measures for controlling cryptosporidiosis in ruminants. Parasitol Res 99, 1–6 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-0055-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-0055-1

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