Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal
infection that is triggered by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium oocysts can spread from one host to another either through direct contact with infected hosts' faeces or through indirect means (consumption of contaminated water or food). Significant numbers of oocysts are produced as a result of the rapid growth of the parasite within the infected hosts. For proper care of
cryptosporidiosis, a laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to produce anti-Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocyst
immunoglobulin (Ig)G polyclonal
antibodies (pAbs). The produced pAbs were used in the detection of C. parvum oocysts
antigens in stool and serum samples of infected calves. Moreover, pAbs were tested in protection of balb-c male mice from
cryptosporidiosis infection. C. parvum oocysts were used in the preparation of
antigens to be used in the immunization of New Zealand white rabbits. pAb was purified by
ammonium sulphate precipitation method,
caprylic acid purification method and diethylaminoethyl (
DEAE)
anion exchange chromatographic method. Sandwich
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (using prepared pAb) scored higher sensitivity (85% and 95% for serum and stool samples) than that (80%) of microscopic examination of stool samples. Moreover, pAb significantly reduced the oocysts shedding, decreased inflammatory
cytokines and enhanced the loss in the body weight of protected animals. The prepared pAb succeeded in the diagnosis of
cryptosporidiosis in calves with high sensitivity either in the serum or stool samples. Our results indicated the usefulness of using the prepared pAb in protection against
cryptosporidiosis.