Evaluation of a modified semi-automated immunomagnetic separation technique for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in human faeces

J Microbiol Methods. 2008 Sep;75(1):139-41. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.04.006. Epub 2008 May 14.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology*
  • Cryptosporidium / cytology*
  • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Immunomagnetic Separation / methods*
  • Oocysts / cytology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity