Research Overview
Immunopathogenesis and treatment of cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidium is a coccidian, protozoan parasite, that over the past decade has become recognized as a major public health problem worldwide. Our research interests are focused on specific aspects of the immunopathogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment of cryptosporidiosis. On-going research projects include:
1. Use of an in vitro intestinal cell culture model to delineate the mechanisms by which cryptosporidium parasitizes host target cells. This model is also used to screen pharmacologic and immunologic agents for activity against parasite.
2. Conducting clinical trials of potentially active pharmacologic and immunologic anti-cryptosporidial agents in patients with AIDS. We have recently completed studies of azithromycin and bovine colostral immunoglobulins, and are currently evaluating paromomycin and hyperimmune egg yolks.
3. Employing an ELISA, that we recently developed to detect anti-cryptosporidial immunoglobulins G, A, and M, to characterize the humoral immune response to cryptosporidial infection in subjects with varying states of immune competence, and to determine the seroprevalence of the disease in various populations
4. Collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Health to assess the risk of waterborne transmission of Cryptosporidium. We have initiated studies to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidial infection in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts, and to delineate the risk factors for acquisition of cryptosporidial infection.
