An enterotoxic activity of 18-20 kDa Cryptosporidium parvum secretory coproantigen (CCA 18-20 kDa)

J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 1999;29(1):281-9.

Abstract

An 18-20 kDa Cryptosporidum coproantigen (18-20 CCA), had been detected in the stool of infected humans and calves. A purified, electroeluted and concentrated 18-20 kDa antigen was tested in Ussing chamber, and electric parameters were tested before and after the addition of this antigen. A significant increase in the short circuit current (Isc) was detected. The enterotoxic effectof 18-20 kDa CCA, was time and dose dependent, heat labile, and Cl- dependent. The detected change in the short circuit current was not detected when the 18-20 kDa antigen wa incubated with its monospecific antibodies. These results indicate an enterotoxic activity of the 18-20 kDa antigen secreted from the released parasite and detected in stool of infected humans and calves. Additionally, they may help in developing an appropriate anti-secretory therapy for the intractable diarrhoea caused by cryptosporidiosis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / toxicity*
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / veterinary
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / immunology
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / pathogenicity*
  • Enterotoxins / toxicity*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Ileum / parasitology
  • Ileum / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / parasitology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Enterotoxins