An improved method for the analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry.
Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Sample preparation proved to be a crucial step in the acquisition of acceptable mass spectra. Oocysts of C. parvum and the matrix were mixed and held for at least 45 min to produce reproducible, representative mass spectra. Sporozoites were also excysted from oocysts, purified, and analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS. The mass spectra of the intact oocysts contained many of the same peaks found in the mass spectra of the sporozoites, suggesting that during analysis, the internal constituents, not just the oocyst wall, are ablated by the laser.
Glassmeyer
Susan T
ST
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA. glassmeyer.susan@epa.gov
Ware
Michael W
MW
Schaefer
Frank W
FW
Shoemaker
Jody A
JA
Kryak
David D
DD
D000818:Animals; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D033661:Oocysts / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D034101:Sporozoites / Q000737:chemistry