In vivo culture of Cryptosporidium oocysts for laboratory use

Abstract

Cryptosporidium oocysts are needed for laboratory and research work such as drug trials, viability studies and credication methods. Adequately oocysts can be obtained by in vivo and in vitro techniques. We used an in vivo technique in the laboratory. Seven-day-old mice were infected with 100,000-200,000 Cryptosporidium oocysts. At 8 day post infection, the small and large intestine were collected. A simple extraction procedure was used and purification was by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. After purification, the oocysts were preserved in phosphate buffered saline with antibiotic at 4 °C.