Evaluation of a modified semi-automated immunomagnetic separation technique for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in human faeces.
Routine diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infection relies on the oocyst as the diagnostic target. To improve analytical sensitivity, we modified and evaluated an immunomagnetic separation procedure for Cryptosporidium oocysts applicable to formed, liquid or mucoid human faeces. The analytical sensitivity of the method is <5 oocysts per gram, regardless of stool consistency.
UK Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, NPHS Microbiology Swansea, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, United Kingdom. Guy.Robinson@nphs.wales.nhs.uk
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G
Robinson
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Watkins
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RM
Chalmers
D000818:Animals; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D018189:Immunomagnetic Separation / Q000379:methods*; D033661:Oocysts / Q000166:cytology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity