Progress in the molecular methods for the detection and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium in water samples.
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2010, Vol 17, Issue 1
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, the protozoan parasite, has several transmission routes, including anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission, as well as the foodborne way, but mainly by water. The oocysts, the resistant stage produced by Cryptosporidium, are remarkably stable, and can survive for weeks or even months in the environment. Furthermore, the infective dose is low, probably even a single oocyst can cause infection. The Cryptosporidium genus includes at least 16 species; nevertheless, only a few can cause cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal disease in human and domestic mammals. Thus, the genetic characteristics of different Cryptosporidium species became fundamental in the diagnosis, monitoring, prevention and control of infections caused by this pathogen. Unfortunately, the traditional phenotypic techniques meet with difficulties in the specific diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis, therefore the new molecular tools must be applied. The RT -qPCR method can be used to differentiate viable and dead Cryptosporidium oocysts, and the LAMP assays have advantages for detection of organisms at relatively low concentration in environmental samples; however, the NAS BA assay specifically detects as few as one oocyst of a viable human pathogenic Cryptosporidium species. Reverse line blot hybridization (RL B) has been successfully used for specific identification and for differentiation of Cryptosporidium species. Described techniques are the most promising methods for the sensitive and accurate detection, but require a considerable selection of appropriate tools, genetic markers and analytical techniques for interpretations of database. However, the applicability of most of these methods to detect Cryptosporidium species or genotypes from environmental samples needs to be evaluated and standardized.
Authors and Affiliations
Bogumila Skotarczak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP58664
- DOI -
- Views 166
- Downloads 0
Impact of different modifiable factors on hearing function in type 1 and type 2 diabetic subjects . A preliminary study
Introduction and objective: Hearing impairment in diabetic subjects is more prevalent than in the general population. Ageing, noise exposure and smoking are known as risk factors of hearing loss. The aim of this study wa...
Etiopathogenesis of midfacial fractures in patients treated at Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic , Medical University of Lublin in 2007–2011
[b]Introduction:[/b] With the growing industrialization and the increasingly rapid pace of life the number and variety of injuries are growing higher. In the midst of injuries, the midfacial injuries constitute a conside...
Contact eczema of hands caused by contact with potato protein
[b]Introduction. [/b]Protein contact dermatitis (PCD) is an IgE-dependent allergic reaction which, despite enormous progress in knowledge, remains a ‘non-diagnosed’ nosologic unit in contemporary medicine. Skin lesion, w...
Tobacco smoking in countries of the European Union
Background: Existing smoking prevalence comparisons between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ members of the European Union (EU) give a misleading picture because of differences in methodology. A major EU project designed to find ways...
Increasing role of arthropod bites in tularaemia transmission in Poland – case reports and diagnostic methods
The study describes four cases of tularaemia – one developed after contact with rabbits and three developed after an arthropod bite. Due to non-specific clinical symptoms, accurate diagnosis of tularaemia may be difficul...