Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cryptosporidiosis: comparison of three diagnostic methods and effects of storage temperature on detectability of cryptosporidia in cattle faeces.
- Journal:
- Parasitology research
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Kuhnert-Paul, Yvonne et al.
- Affiliation:
- Institute of Parasitology · Germany
Plain-English summary
This study looked at three different ways to find Cryptosporidium, a parasite, in cow poop. They tested 103 samples and found that a commercial test called EIA was better at detecting the parasite compared to a staining method called MZN, especially when looking at ten random areas under a microscope. The EIA test is more expensive but easier to use and doesn't require as much experience as the other methods. They also checked how different storage temperatures affected the tests, finding that the staining methods worked less well over time and at higher temperatures, while the EIA results stayed reliable regardless of how the samples were stored. Overall, the EIA method was the most effective and consistent for detecting Cryptosporidium in cattle feces.
Abstract
Three diagnostic methods (a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique (MZN), a negative staining with carbol fuchsine (CF) and a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit, ProSpecT® Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay (Remel, Lenexa, KS, USA)) for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in cattle faeces were compared regarding sensitivity and suitability under routine laboratory conditions, with particular emphasis on sample storage. In the 103 faecal samples examined, cryptosporidia infections were detected significantly more often by EIA (p<0.05; n=76) than by MZN (n=65) if ten random fields were evaluated microscopically, but not if the whole coverslip was scanned. In contrast, sensitivities of EIA and CF (n=69) did not differ significantly. Results were obtained very rapidly by CF. However, the hands-on time of CF is comparable to EIA, while MZN is more time consuming. EIA is more expensive than CF and MZN but easy to perform and to evaluate and does not need considerably experienced staff in contrast to CF and MZN. Moreover, 45 faecal samples stored for up to 27 days at different temperatures (+6°C, +16°C, +30°C, +40°C) were examined. The sensitivity of microscopic detection of oocysts in stained smears (CF, MZN) decreased in a temperature and time-dependent manner, while EIA results were not influenced by sample storage at any temperature.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22246371/