Cryptosporidium sex employs a complex male fertilization apparatus that is required for continued infection
Aurélia C. Balestra, Maria I. Merolle, Tim Bergner, Mingyang Tang, Nelida Y. Robles, Anitha Ndayiragije, Bethan A. Wallbank, Abigail M. Daniels, Michael M. Laue, Christian Klotz, Christopher A. Hunter, Boris Striepen
This study identifies a complex male fertilization apparatus in Cryptosporidium, essential for infection, and shows that disrupting HAP2 prevents fertilization and clears infection.
bioRxiv · Oct 15, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology