Passive transfer of immunity against Cryptosporidium infection in neonatal mice using monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against merozoites and sporozoites of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum were examined for potential modulation of cryptosporidial infections in vivo by daily oral mAb administration to oocyst-inoculated neonatal mice. Monoclonal-treated neonatal mice were sacrificed four and eight days post infection (pi). Differences in infection rates were observed among the treatment groups at the p < 0.05 level. Suckling mice treated daily with orally administered mixtures of mAbs (ascitic fluids) showed significantly reduced parasite loads compared to control mice at four and eight days pi, while suckling mice receiving mAb Cmg-3 alone showed significant differences only at 4 days pi., suggesting that passive transfer of mAb may be of value in controlling cryptosporidial infections.