AWWA PATH50793

The objective of this research was to develop a method of analysis for Cryptosporidium that would be simple to operate, low cost, and provide reproducible results that were not dependant upon the skill of the specific operator or the competence of the analysis laboratory. The research has focused on using a novel foam based filter Filta-Max(TM) that can be used to filter finished and raw waters. The filters are very compact, 5.5cm in diameter, 5cm deep, and fit a housing 10cm deep, thus making them ideal for use in the field. The filter eluent can be concentrated to approximately 20ml within 10 mins. without the need for centrifugation. The concentrates generated using the foam filters were then subjected to a novel immunomagnetic separtion (IMS) system with no requirement for centrifugation and resuspension. The novel IMS technology (Puri-Max[TM]) relies on the repeated circulation of the sample (plus paramagnetic beads) through a small capture phase, located in a magnetic field. The oocysts can be captured on the phase via antibody coated paramagnetic beads and the sample excess washed away. The oocysts are then simply recovered by removing them from the paramagnetic phase. Data is presented showing that with the combined Filta-Max/Puri-Max recoveries of between 40-60% can be obtained from sample volumes of 1,000L containing 100 oocyst initial spikes. This research represents a significant step forward in terms of simplifying sample concentration, extraction, and clean-up, and increasing the reproducibility of Cryptosporidium analysis data. Includes 11 references, tables, figures.