Effect of phytocomplex supplementation on Cryptosporidium parvum burden and intestinal pathology in IFN-γ knockout mice

Cryptosporidiosis is a common zoonotic intestinal illness of neonatal livestock and humans caused by protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium , for which very limited control measures exist . Plants or their extracts (Phytocomplexes) rich in polyphenol constituents have been demonstrated to promote health and to possess parasite-mitigating properties in humans and animals. Herein, we explored 4 phytocomplexes, namely PC15 (a combination of green tea, cinnamon and pomegranate extracts), GG (an AAFCO-approved plant), MIXI (mixture of AAFCO-approved plants), and FE (fenugreek extracts containing 18% saponin), for ameliorating cryptosporidiosis in a IFN-γ knockout mice (n = 8 per group). Supplementation with phytocomplexes began 3 days prior to infection with Cryptosporidium parvum , and continued for 14 days post-infection. Fecal C. parvum oocysts loads were determined by quantitative real time PCR daily. Terminally, mice’s distal small intestinal tissues were examined histologically, and levels of IL-18 in intestinal tissue protein extracts analyzed. Mice plasma Alanine Transaminase (ALT) levels were determined as a liver function test. Mice supplemented with either PC15 or GG had lower fecal C. parvum oocysts loads, firm fecal consistencies, gained body weight, had mostly intact intestinal mucosa, and elevated levels of IL-18. On the other hand, MIXI and FE supplementation did not alter the disease outcome when compared to the unsupplemented infected mice, but resulted in elevated ALT levels suggesting hepatocellular injury in mice. Collectively, our findings indicate that supplementation with PC15 and GG (which are rich in polyphenols) ameliorated cryptosporidiosis in part by suppressing parasite burden and augmenting the animal host’s overall health.