One Health approach to cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease that affects both humans and cattle. Specifically, C. parvum is zoonotic and can be transmitted between human and cattle. In humans, cryptosporidiosis causes diarrheal disease which can be severe and even fatal for the immunocompromised and for malnourished children. In cattle, scouring is often caused by cryptosporidiosis, which can result in death or weight loss. This impact of animal health leads to economic loss affecting farmers both in low, middle, and high-income countries, including the UK. Unfortunately, the only drug approved to treat cryptosporidiosis in patients in ineffective in the patient populations that are at the highest risk of severe disease, and the treatment available for cattle has issues regarding toxicity. There is no vaccine to prevent infection with Cryptosporidium, and due to the nature of transmissions, it is very difficult to remove Cryptosporidium from the environment. A OneHealth approach is required to tackle this important pathogen (PMID: 31983609).

In this PhD project, we will use in vivo models and in vitro organoid models to study host-pathogen interaction of Cryptosporidium. We will also perform microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, and genetic modifications of Cryptosporidium and mammalian cells. We aim to uncover new biology that can be exploited for future drug discovery science.