Abstract (EN):
Cryptosporidium parvum is transmitted through water and can cause severe diarrhea.
The diagnosis is usually based upon observer-dependent microscopic detection of
oocysts, with rather low sensitivity and specificity. Our objective was to optimize a flow
cytometric (FC) protocol for the detection of C. parvum. A specific monoclonal antibody
conjugated with R-phycoerythrin was incubated with dead oocysts to determine
the optimal antibody concentration. Serial concentrations of oocysts were stained with
the optimized concentration and analyzed by FC. The lower detection limit was determined,
and the possibility of cross-reaction was investigated using prokaryotic and eukaryotic
microorganisms. A FC protocol was optimized to detect oocysts in spiked
human stools. The optimal antibody concentration was found to be 3.0 mg/ml. The
lowest number detectable was 2 × 103 oocysts/ml. Staining procedure was specific, as
no cross-reactions were observed. This reliable and easy FC protocol allow the specific
detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts, even at very low concentrations, which is important
for public health and further studies of treatment efficacy. '
Idioma:
Português
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Contacto:
gui75@sapo.pt