NMR metabolomics reveals effects of Cryptosporidium infections on host cell metabolome

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important gut microbe whose contributions towards infant and immunocompromise

patient mortality rates are steadily increasing. Over the last decade, we have seen the development of

various tools and methods for studying Cryptosporidium infection and its interactions with their hosts. One area that is

sorely overlooked is the effect infection has on host metabolic processes.

Results: Using a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance approach to metabolomics, we have explored the nature of the

mouse gut metabolome as well as providing the first insight into the metabolome of an infected cell line. Statistical

analysis and predictive modelling demonstrated new understandings of the effects of a Cryptosporidium infection,

while verifying the presence of known metabolic changes. Of note is the potential contribution of host derived

taurine to the diarrhoeal aspects of the disease previously attributed to a solely parasite-based alteration of the gut

environment, in addition to other metabolites involved with host cell catabolism.

Conclusion: This approach will spearhead our understanding of the Cryptosporidium-host metabolic exchange and

provide novel targets for tackling this deadly parasite.