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The development and performance of a simple, sensitive method for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

Derrick Baxby ,
N. Blundell  and
C. A. Hart
Derrick Baxby
Affiliation:
University Department of Medical Microbiology, Duncan Building, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XW
N. Blundell
Affiliation:
University Department of Medical Microbiology, Duncan Building, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XW
C. A. Hart
Affiliation:
University Department of Medical Microbiology, Duncan Building, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XW
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Features are described of a new staining method for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces. Smears, fixed in acid-methanol, are stained with heated safranin and counterstained with methylene blue. Oocysts stain a vivid orange-pink and are easily recognized. The method is rapid and simple with little source of error. The method is more sensitive than currently recommended Ziehl-Neelson methods; of 26 cases of cryptosporidiosis diagnosed by the new method only 19 were detected by acid-fast and only 11 by acid-alcohol-fast methods. Oocysts can be stained by safranin-methylene blue after concentration by various methods, in paraffin-embedded material, and after storage for months at various temperatures.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 93 , Issue 2 , October 1984 , pp. 317 - 323
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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