Cryptosporidium detection method

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The subject invention provides processes and kits for detecting encysted forms of protozoa, particularly Cryptosporidium and Giardia that are viable and , infectious. To determine viability cysts or oocysts are heated to a , temperature that induces transcription of heat shock protein (HSP) genes. Alternatively, to determine infectivity the encysted forms are inoculated onto susceptible cell cultures. The viability or infectivity of the encysted forms can be determined by synthesizing a cDNA from an induced HSP RNA template using a primer that is specific for particular genus or species of protozoa followed by enzymatic amplification of the cDNA. Alternatively infectivity , can be …