Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Development of Two Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Detection Cryptosporidium parvum

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Asma Alipour Kermani 1
Mehdi Golchin 1
Neda Eskandarzadeh 2
Saeid Reza Nourollahi Fard 1
1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.22103/VCBR.2025.25198.1066
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite responsible for cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal infection that affects both humans and animals. Transmission primarily occurs through contaminated water, food, and environmental sources, posing significant public health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and malnourished children, in whom the infection can lead to severe or life-threatening complications. This study aimed to develop two rapid latex agglutination and immunochromatographic diagnostic tests for the efficient detection of Cryptosporidium parvum and check their activities with calve diarrheic fecal samples. Diarrheic fecal samples were collected from calves under two months of age and processed using the formalin-ether concentration method to isolate Cryptosporidium protozoa. Cryptosporidium parvum was used to immunize rabbit for the production of polyclonal antibody, which was subsequently purified. Polyclonal antibody was conjugated to latex particles and incorporated into latex and immunochromatographic tests. The activities of these tests were assessed using dot blot and sandwich ELISA assays. The polyclonal antibody was successfully produced in rabbit. The latex and immunochromatographic tests effectively identified Cryptosporidium parvum-positive fecal samples. The findings of this study underscore the utility of immunochromatographic and latex diagnostic tests as a viable alternative to conventional methods for Cryptosporidium detection. These tests offer cost-effective, accessible, and user-friendly diagnostic solutions for livestock farmers and veterinary professionals, while also contributing to the prevention and control of cryptosporidiosis in both human and animal populations.
Keywords
Cryptosporidium parvum
Latex Agglutination test
Immunochromatography
Antibody
Diarrhea
Subjects
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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 July 2026