A new method for the concentration of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> oocysts from water

A novel method for the concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts from water has been developed, based upon the precipitation of calcium carbonate. A 10 l water sample is treated by adding solutions of calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate and raising the pH value to 10 with sodium hydroxide. Crystals of calcium carbonate form and enmesh particles in the Cryptosporidium oocyst size range. The crystals are allowed to settle, the supernatant fluid is discarded and the calcium carbonate precipitate dissolved in sulphamic acid. The sample can be concentrated further by centrifugation. Recoveries of oocysts from seeded samples of deionized, tap and river water were in excess of 68%.