Microfluidics system for the entrapment and detection of oocysts of Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of great public health concern. Oocysts, the infectious form of Cryptosporidium species are ubiquitous in environmental sources such as soil and water all over the world and can stay viable up to six months.  Several outbreaks of Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal illness in healthy and immunocompromised humans and in agriculturally important livestock species have been reported over the years owing to contaminated drinking water and recreational water supplies. Also, it has been a source of contaminants in salad vegetables and other raw leafy fruits and vegetables. A method for rapid monitoring of oocysts of Cryptosporidium species in water treatment plants and outside eateries will help to protect the public from incidences of Cryptosporidiosis. In the present study, Microfluidics device has been developed to entrap and detect the oocysts from environmental samples. The prepared device entraps and detects the oocysts at Micron level. The entire device is established on small chip sized area (2 cm x 2cm) utilizing less volume of samples and reagents. The device is cost effective and rapid in its action. Oocysts are detected by using FITC-labeled antibodies. The sensitivity of detection method is 35 %. Efficiency of trapping of positive oocysts is 0.078 % and oocysts from sample is 0.47% .