Anti-Cryptosporidium parvum

Members of the genus Cryptosporidium are parasites of the intestinal tracts of fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. It seems that members of this genus do not display a high degree of host specificity, so the number of species in this genus remains a matter of some discussion. Cryptosporidium isolated from humans is now referred to as C. parvum. Cryptosporidium infections have been reported from a variety of wild and domesticated animals. Cryptosporidiosis is now recognized as an important opportunisitic infection, especially in immunocompromised hosts., Cryptosporidium is a small protozoan parasite, measuring about 3-5um. It lives on (or just under) the surface of the cells lining the small intestine, reproduces asexually, and oocysts are passed in the feces. Transmission of the infection occurs via the oocysts. Many human infections have been traced to the contamination of drinking water with oocysts from agricultural "run-off" (i.e., drainage from pastures), so it is considered a zoonosis. The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea, other symptoms include stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. In persons with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last about 1 to 2 weeks. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and Immunofluorescence. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Indirect Immunofluorescence: >1:1000, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.