Abstract
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to the specific detection and distinction of Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopic observation. High fluorescence was observed using the DIAG-CRYR1 probe targeting 18S rRNA partial sequences to distinguish Cryptosporidium spp oocysts from Cryptosporidium parvum HNJ-1 oocysts. Combining FISH with fluorescence antibody staining, DAPI, and differential interference contrast observation was valuable for the easy differentiation of Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopic observation. Determination of Cryptosporidium variability by FISH was conducted. Heat-inactivated oocysts showed reduced FISH stainability up to 100 hours in both PBS and filtered sewage.
