Generation of parasite cysts in cultured cells instead of living animals.

Abstract

In order to develop any effective means of prevention or therapy against Neospora caninum infection, all three life cycle stages of this parasite have to be taken into account. In this project, the in vitro culture of N. caninum bradyzoites containing tissue cysts has been developed, thus allowing to the initiation of stage conversion without the use of animal experimentation. This enables researchers to study novel aspects of stage differentiation, to investigate novel diagnostic antigens, and explore the usefulness of potentially interesting drugs and drug targets not only in tachyzoites but also in bradyzoites.