Cryptosporidium Diagnostic Assays: Molecular Detection

Methods Mol Biol. 2020:2052:11-22. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9748-0_2.

Abstract

Molecular diagnostic assays for Cryptosporidium are usually based on PCR and may detect the entire genus or target specified species. Of the ~40 species, fewer than half have been reported from humans, and most human cases of cryptosporidiosis are caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or Cryptosporidium hominis. Here we describe a nested PCR for the detection of all Cryptosporidium spp. that can then be differentiated by sequencing the PCR amplicons, and a duplex, real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of C. parvum and C. hominis.

Keywords: C. hominis; C. parvum; Cryptosporidium; DNA extraction; Detection; Nested PCR; Real-time PCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryptosporidiosis / diagnosis*
  • Cryptosporidium / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification*
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / isolation & purification*
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Workflow

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan