Enteric Parasite Detection in Water Systems

We will develop an automated instrument for the detection and quantification of Giardia and Cryptoswater sources. The long-term objective is the development and commercialization of a portable, ruggeinstrument which rapidly processes filter concentrated samples without the use of trained personnelinspection techniques. Since the early 1970's, hundreds of thousands of disease cases have been attrprotozoa. Prevention of these diseases relies on filtration and disinfection of drinking water supplmethods are not 100% effective development of sensitive detection methods for Giardia and CryptosporThe current detection methods rely on filtration to concentrate the Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidiuconcentrated sample is then processed and analyzed by fluorescent microscopy. Although microscopic ait is tedious and requires a highly trained individual. This technological innovation is based on thoptic sensor technology. Cysts or oocysts are captured and immobilized on an optical fiber and labelantibodies. This instrument measures the fluorescent signal from the antibodies. The instrument's sipotential results from the utility of its fully automated, cost effective inspection technique.