Cryptosporidium: The Analytical Challenge

These are the proceedings of two meetings organized by the Water Chemistry Forum and the Royal Society of Chemistry, together with the Environment and Water Group of the Society of Chemical Industry, the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Cryptosporidium, in its various forms, is a widely recognised cause of outbreaks of waterborne disease. Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly requiring the development of fit-for-purpose detection methods for this protozoan parasite, but analysis is often problematic. Bringing together international academic and industry-based experts, this book provides a comprehensive review of analytical techniques for the detection of Cryptosporidium, as well as looking at likely future developments. In particular, the issues of species identification and oocyst viability are addressed. Quality assurance issues and potential problems associated with the new Cryptosporidium regulations are also highlighted. The extent of the perceived problems and the regulatory backdrop against which the analysis must be carried out are also discussed.