Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp in dairy cattle and wildlife

Vet Ther. 2007 Summer;8(2):148-59.

Abstract

This study investigated the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol as a screening test for Cryptosporidium spp in 125 fecal samples from dairy cattle and wild rodents. Samples initially examined by fecal flotation and ELISA were evaluated using four PCR protocols (18S SSU rRNA, TRAP-C2, HSP70, and COWP), and the relative accuracy and agreement of PCR protocols was assessed. Although PCR can be both highly sensitive and accurate, the ability of these protocols to accurately detect DNA in samples can vary. A combination of techniques may be the best choice for to screen samples for this parasite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / parasitology
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cryptosporidiosis / diagnosis
  • Cryptosporidiosis / veterinary*
  • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification*
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Mass Screening / veterinary
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary*
  • Public Health
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan