Technologies

Invention
Monoclonal antibodies have been developed that detect specific Cryptosporidium antigens. These antibodies are useful for a broad range of research and development purposes and, importantly, these reagents offer the opportunity for the development of a rapid, highly sensitive diagnostic test, capable of simultaneously detecting multiple causative agents of cryptosporidiosis.

Background
Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in humans worldwide and is also problematic in agriculturally important livestock species. Cryptosporidiosis is a common diarrheal disease caused by the parasitic organism. Detection and diagnosis of Cryptosporidium present many challenges including cost, performance, clinical significance and assessment of co-infection with other pathogens. The use of different diagnostic methods, and the inconsistent application of techniques, makes it difficult to compare results from clinical and veterinary studies. Thus, there is a need for the development of a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable diagnostic test to improve detection of cryptosporidiosis.