A genetically modified coccidian parasites wherein expression of phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) is disrupted, a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) enzyme, which catalyzes the production of a lipid, phosphatidylthreonine (PtdThr). PtdThr is an exclusive, major and physiologically important lipid in selected coccidian parasites, which is required for a normal growth and virulence of coccidian parasites. Coccidian parasites, having the expression of PTS disrupted as described herein, are useful as vaccines. The phosphatidylthreonine synthase enzyme and the nucleotide encoding sequences thereof as well as the phosphatidylthreonine phospholipid can find use in diagnostic methods and diagnostic kits or in vaccine and drug development applications.

A genetically modified coccidian parasites wherein expression of phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) is disrupted, a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) enzyme, which catalyzes the production of a lipid, phosphatidylthreonine (PtdThr). PtdThr is an exclusive, major and physiologically important lipid in selected coccidian parasites, which is required for a normal growth and virulence of coccidian parasites. Coccidian parasites, having the expression of PTS disrupted as described herein, are useful as vaccines. The phosphatidylthreonine synthase enzyme and the nucleotide encoding sequences thereof as well as the phosphatidylthreonine phospholipid can find use in diagnostic methods and diagnostic kits or in vaccine and drug development applications.

The present disclosure provides genetically altered protozoan parasites comprising a mutation in a bradyzoite formation deficient 1 (BFD1) gene, wherein the mutation inhibits differentiation of the parasite into a bradyzoite. The genetically altered protozoan parasites can be utilized in vaccine compositions and in methods of treating apicomplexan parasite infection.

The present disclosure provides genetically altered protozoan parasites comprising a mutation in a bradyzoite formation deficient 1 (BFD1) gene, wherein the mutation inhibits differentiation of the parasite into a bradyzoite. The genetically altered protozoan parasites can be utilized in vaccine compositions and in methods of treating apicomplexan parasite infection.

The application is directed to in vitro-reared Plasmodium sporozoites of human host range wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same. Provided herein are in vitro-reared infectious Plasmodium sporozoites (SPZ) of human host range, particularly P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same.

The application is directed to in vitro-reared Plasmodium sporozoites of human host range wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same. Provided herein are in vitro-reared infectious Plasmodium sporozoites (SPZ) of human host range, particularly P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same.

Provided herein are eukaryotic microorganisms having a simple lipid profile comprising long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Also provided are compositions and cultures comprising the eukaryotic microorganisms as well as methods of using the eukaryotic microorganisms.

Provided herein are eukaryotic microorganisms having a simple lipid profile comprising long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Also provided are compositions and cultures comprising the eukaryotic microorganisms as well as methods of using the eukaryotic microorganisms.

A medium for culturing Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni in vitro, method for preparing the medium and method for culture in vitro are provided, which belongs to technical field of in vitro culture of intestinal protozoa. The formulation of the culture medium includes: 100 ml of Ringer's solution, 0.5 g of yeast extract, 1.0 g of proteose peptone, 3-6 ml of fetal bovine serum, 6-10 ml of horse serum, 300-500 μl of Bacillus licheniformis suspension, 200-300 mg of aseptic starch. Culture steps include: inoculating collected Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni into a prepared medium, filling with nitrogen and sealing, culturing at 15° C. for 48-72 hours, then transferring to another fresh medium, cycling back and forth, proliferating the Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni continuously. Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni are capable of achieving cell division and proliferation in the culture medium, and lays foundation for the physiological and experimental ecology research of the Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni.

A medium for culturing Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni in vitro, method for preparing the medium and method for culture in vitro are provided, which belongs to technical field of in vitro culture of intestinal protozoa. The formulation of the culture medium includes: 100 ml of Ringer's solution, 0.5 g of yeast extract, 1.0 g of proteose peptone, 3-6 ml of fetal bovine serum, 6-10 ml of horse serum, 300-500 μl of Bacillus licheniformis suspension, 200-300 mg of aseptic starch. Culture steps include: inoculating collected Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni into a prepared medium, filling with nitrogen and sealing, culturing at 15° C. for 48-72 hours, then transferring to another fresh medium, cycling back and forth, proliferating the Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni continuously. Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni are capable of achieving cell division and proliferation in the culture medium, and lays foundation for the physiological and experimental ecology research of the Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni.