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WSLH Contributes to Research Identifying Pathogenic Cryptosporidium

The following is excerpted from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Streamlines newsletter (July 13, 2010, Vol. 2, No. 18)  

Cryptosporidium species are widely found in US surface waters, which many cities use as a source of drinking water. However, only a few of the 20 identified species actually infect humans.

Now, a new genotype detection method can identify Cryptosporidium species, helping utilities determine which are human pathogens and offering a better assessment of human health risks.

The research project was led by Texas AgriLife Research Microbiologist George Di Giovanni. His team, including Rebecca Hoffman of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Greg Sturbaum of CH Diagnostic and ALS Laboratory Group and Texas AgriLife researcher Karina Barrella, developed the slide genotyping method with technology transfer in mind. Therefore, utilities can adopt the method with few additional costs or extra training.

Read the complete article.

 

Posted by: Jan Klawitter, WSLH Public Affairs Manager

Date: July 15, 2010