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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #129264
Title: CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM IN INTESTINAL MUCOSAL BIOPSIES FROM PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Author
item CHEN, WANGXUE - WAKEFIELD GASTRO. INST.
item CHADWICK, VINTON - WAKEFIELD GASTRO. INST.
item TIE, ANDY - WELLINGTON PATHOL., NZ
item Harp, James

Submitted to: American Journal of Gastroenterology
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum is an intestinal parasite that causes diarrheal disease in calves. This disease is costly to dairy and beef producers, and the disease can also spread to humans by contaminated water and food. There are no effective vaccines or drug treatments available for this parasite. In previous studies, we showed that C. parvum infection could trigger the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can affect both humans and animals. In this study, we found that human patients with IBD often had antibodies indicating exposure to C. parvum. Also, intestinal biopsies showed that in a few cases patients with IBD had evidence of active infection. C. parvum should, therefore, be considered as a possible contributor to intestinal inflammation. Thus, reduction of infection in calves will not only directly benefit producers, but will also improve human health by reduction of water and foodborne contamination with C. parvum.