174921 Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from children and cattle in southern India

Monday, October 27, 2008: 8:45 AM

Elliott R. Garber , Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
Priya Rajendran , Department of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Gagandeep Kang, MD/PhD , Department of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Vinohar Balraj , Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Giovanni Widmer , Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
     
Cryptosporidium spp. are a leading cause of diarrhea in India, but little is known about the species or genotypes commonly infecting children and calves from rural areas. Zoonotic transmission has been hypothesized to be a significant factor in human cryptosporidiosis worldwide, but data confirming or rejecting this assumption is lacking. Recent molecular studies identify the genetic heterogeneity present among Cryptosporidium isolates and indicate that further genetic characterization is necessary to more fully understand the population structure of this parasite and design methods for its control. Stool samples from children and calves of the same households will be collected over a three month period in a rural district of south India. Multilocus genotypes of Cryptosporidium isolates will be determined using a selection of mini- and microsatellite markers. These genotypes will be analyzed to determine the phylogenetic relationships between isolates from children and calves. Our results will provide important information about the population structure of Cryptosporidium spp. and insight into the possibility of zoonotic transmission of this parasite in rural south India.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the Cryptosporidium species most commonly isolated from children and calves in rural south India. 2. Describe the molecular methods used to characterize Cryptosporidium isolates in this study. 3. Assess the possibility of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium species between children and calves in rural south India.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I designed and managed this research project from start to finish.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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