title: Characterization of Cryptosporidium parvum by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry.
abstract: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to investigate whole and freeze-thawed Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Whole oocysts revealed some mass spectral features. Reproducible patterns of spectral markers and increased sensitivity were obtained after the oocysts were lysed with a freeze-thaw procedure. Spectral-marker patterns for C. parvum were distinguishable from those obtained for Cryptosporidium muris. One spectral marker appears specific for the genus, while others appear specific at the species level. Three different C. parvum lots were investigated, and similar spectral markers were observed in each. Disinfection of the oocysts reduced and/or eliminated the patterns of spectral markers.
authors.affiliation: Treatment Technology Evaluation Branch, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Water Supply and Water Resources Division, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Magnuson
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kelty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002713:Chlorine / Q000494:pharmacology; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D005615:Freezing; D010126:Ozone / Q000494:pharmacology; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D002713:Chlorine; D010126:Ozone