MOLECULAR METHODS FOR THE DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by o parasitic protozoa n 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 identificati on are urgently required. In a recent issue of Parasitology Today, Car olyn Petersen has presented a review of the cell biology of this paras ite1. Here, Kath Webster draws attention to the various methods involv ed in its detection and classification.