Use of Percoll for the infection of cells in vitro with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

Abstract A method for the infection of non-adherent THP-1 cells and adherent MDBK cells with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts using isotonic Percoll solutions was developed. Excystation was maximal after 2 h, but toxicity increased with the oocyst/cell ratio and the incubation time. The infection rates did not increase with the oocyst/cell ratio and both cell types were equally parasitized.