Nanostructured immunosensor for low level detection of waterborne cryptosporidium

Abstract

A major causative agent of gastrointestinal disease is Cryptosporidium, a protozoan waterborne parasite identified in over 70 countries. Cryptosporidium infection is a cause of high disease morbidity in children and the immunocompromised, with limited treatment options available for patients at risk of severe illness. The hardy nature of the organism leads to the persistence of its oocyst form in drinking water sources, with standard water treatment procedures such as chlorine disinfection and activated sludge proving inefficient for its removal from effluent water.