APPLICATION OF DAPI AND IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE FOR ENHANCED IDENTIFICATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP OOCYSTS IN WATER SAMPLES

The usefulness of the nuclear fluorochrome 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylind ole (DAPI) as an adjunct in the identification of Cryptosporidium spp oocysts by immunofluorescence has been studied. Because DAPI binds to the nuclei of sporozoites contained within oocysts it can be used to c onfirm the presence of sporulated oocysts by epifluorescence microscop y. This increased number of observable internal features enhances the ability to identify sporulated oocysts in water samples. This method s hould facilitate confirmation of putative Cryptosporidium spp oocysts detected in water and water-related samples, and reduce the likelihood of either false-positives or false-negative results occurring.