CSBC Cryptosporidium Research

Many isolates of Cryptosporidium have been characterized. These studies have shown that these two genotypes differ both phenotypically and genotypically, seem to exhibit reproductive isolation, and probably represent discrete taxa. It is clear that C. hominis isolates are responsible for most human disease, at least in some populations. Recently, Dr. Tzipori’s lab has successfully propagated several C. hominis isolates in gnotobiotic animals, and amplified these isolates in specially treated calves. However, since this is an extremely labor intensive and expensive procedure, these C. hominis isolates will continue to be difficult or impossible for most investigators to study in depth. Availability of the complete genomic sequence of this genotype will provide an extremely important tool for C. hominis investigators. Thus, we argue that sequence of C. hominis will provide the greatest scientific impact for C. hominis investigators.






				Choice of isolates We have elected to place our emphasis on sequencing Cryptosporidium hominis, the more important isolate in human disease. Our collaborators in Minnesota have taken the responsibility for completion of the related animal pathogen, C. parvum. Our rationale for promoting C. hominis as first priority for our analysis is outlined below. We selected to sequence a C. hominis because this organism: 1. Is responsible for most human infections, and is most relevant to public health. 2. Is extremely difficult to propagate, difficult to study, and poorly understood. 3. Varies significantly phenotypically from C. parvum and related animal isolates. 4. Has been extensively compared genetically to C. parvum by the TUSVM and other labs. 5. Has been subject of a preliminary genome sequencing survey at VCU and TUSVM. 6. Can now be propagated reproducibly in gnotobiotic piglets & amplified in calves at TUSVM. Many isolates of Cryptosporidium have been characterized. These studies have shown that these two genotypes differ both phenotypically and genotypically, seem to exhibit reproductive isolation, and probably represent discrete taxa. It is clear that C. hominis isolates are responsible for most human disease, at least in some populations. Recently, Dr. Tzipori’s lab has successfully propagated several C. hominis isolates in gnotobiotic animals, and amplified these isolates in specially treated calves. However, since this is an extremely labor intensive and expensive procedure, these C. hominis isolates will continue to be difficult or impossible for most investigators to study in depth. Availability of the complete genomic sequence of this genotype will provide an extremely important tool for C. hominis investigators. Thus, we argue that sequence of C. hominis will provide the greatest scientific impact for C. hominis investigators. <--Welcome Specific Aims -->