Simultaneous detection of Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia in sewage sludge by IC-PCR

Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a method based on immunomagnetic capture and polymerase chain reaction (IC‐PCR assay) for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis in sewage sludge. Methods and Results: The detection limit of the IC‐PCR assay for both organisms was 625 oocysts and cysts ml–1. By hybridization of PCR products the sensitivity could be increased to 125 oocysts and cysts ml–1. Forty‐four sludge samples from 12 wastewater treatment plants were examined. The samples positive for Giardia (9 out of 44) were from eight wastewater plants and the C. parvum genotype 2 samples (3 out of 44) originated from different sewage works. Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study: IC‐PCR offers the possibility to distinguish between Cryptosporidium and Giardia genotypes. This assay can be used to monitor the presence of these organisms in a community and to determine contamination of sludge used as soil amendment.

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