Evolution of Cryptosporidium in vitro culture

[Display omitted] ► This report reviews findings regarding the life cycle of Cryptosporidium. ► There are several obstacles in the maintenance of Cryptosporidium in vitro cultures. ► There is increasing interest in understanding the fascinatingly close position of Cryptosporidium to gregarines species. ► The limitations of Cryptosporidium survival in vitro is due to the demand for a nutrient-rich environment. ► There is the ability to grow Cryptosporidium isolates in vitro under different conditions. This overview discusses findings from culturing Cryptosporidium spp. in cell and axenic cultures as well as factors limiting the development of this parasite in cultivation systems during recent years. A systematic review is undertaken of findings regarding the life cycle of the parasite, taking into account physiological, biochemical and genetic aspects, in the hope that this attempt will facilitate future approaches to research and developments in the understanding of Cryptosporidium biology.