The status of UK methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp oocysts and Giardia spp cysts in water concentrates

• Published in: Water science and technology Vol. 35; no. 11-12; pp. 369 - 376
• Main Authors: Smith, H.V., Hayes, C.R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York NY Elsevier Ltd 1997; Oxford Pergamon Press; IWA Publishing
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biology; Catchment area; Cryptosporidium; Cysts; Detection; detection methods; Enumeration; Environmental regulations; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects and techniques; Giardia; Methods; Natural water pollution; Oocysts; Policies; Pollution; Protozoa; quality assurance; Quality control; Regulators; Reproducibility; Viability; Water supply; Water treatment and pollution; Water types; United Kingdom; Europe; United Kingdom > UK; Cryptosporidium; detection methods; Giardia; quality assurance; Aquatic environment; Protozoa; Water analysis; Isolation; Water pollution; Detection; Sporozoa; Biological contamination; Oocyst; Enumeration(counting)
• ISBN: 9780080433004; 0080433006
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(97)00287-4

Current UK methods for the isolation and enumeration of Cryptosporidium spp oocysts and Giardia spp cysts in water concentrates are time-consuming and inefficient, providing minimal information regarding the biology of the organism. Minimising the portion of sample concentrate examined can reduce the level of confidence in the result obtained and this issue requires appreciation by the water regulators. Alternative methods for isolation and enumeration require corroboration with the established method using a variety of water types. Developments that increase information regarding the biology of these organisms should be encouraged. Not only does method performance (recovery efficiency, reproducibility etc), but also method significance (integrity of health, operational and regulatory assessments etc) require to be addressed. For Cryprosporidium the fluorogenic viability assay can not only assist in the decisions taken by health officials when oocysts are found in water supplies but also in designing catchment assessment and sampling policies for individual treatment plants, yet few laboratories are experienced in this assay.