Cryptosporidium, in its various forms, is a widely recognised cause of outbreaks of waterborne disease. Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly requiring the development of "fit-for-purpose" detection methods for this protozoan parasite, but analysis is often problematic. Bringing together international academic and industry-based experts, this book provides a comprehensive review of the current state of analytical techniques for the detection of Cryptosporidium, as well as looking at likely future developments. In particular, the issues of species identification and oocyst viability are addressed. Quality assurance issues and potential problems associated with the new Cryptosporidium regulations are also highlighted. The extent of the perceived problems and the regulatory backdrop against which the analysis must be carried out are also discussed. Scientists in the water industry, environmental testing laboratories, researchers, consultants, environmental health professionals, food manufacturers and regulatory or environmental bodies are amongst the many who should read this book. In addition, anyone with an interest in microbiological challenges and problem-solving will welcome the coverage.

Cryptosporidium: The Analytical Challenge; Molecular Epidemiology and Systematics ofCryptosporidium parvum; Molecular and Phenotypic Analysis ofCryptosporidium parvum Oocysts of Human and Animal Origin; Complying with the NewCryptosporidium Regulations; Cryptosporidiosis in Healthy Adult Volunteers; Trial of a Method for Continuous Monitoring of the Concentration ofCryptosporidium Oocysts in Treated Drinking Water for Regulatory Purposes; A Dielectrophoresis System for Rapid Analysis ofCryptosporidium parvum; A Review of Methods for Assessing the Infectivity ofCryptosporidium parvum Using In-vitro Cell Culture; Applications of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry in the Analysis ofCryptosporidium; Some Observations on Factors which Affect Recovery Efficiency inCryptosporidium Analysis; Development of a Novel Method for the Capture, Recovery and Analysis ofCryptosporidium Oocysts from High Water Samples; The Experience of the Leap Proficiency Scheme With Respect toCryptosporidium Testing; An Evaluation of the Current Methods for the Detection and Enumeration ofCryptosporidium in Water; Automated Detection and Viability Assessment; Can We Believe Our Results?; Subject Index