MOLECULAR METHODS FOR THE DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by o parasitic protozoan belonging to the coccidial genus Cryptosporidium. Current laboratory methods are adequate for the detection of the infection when oocysts are present in great numbers, but more-sensitive means of identification are urgently required. In a recent issue of Parasitology Today, Carolyn Petersen has presented a review of the cell biology of this parasite1. Here, Kath Webster draws attention to the various methods involved in its detection and classification.