PARASITOLOGIA AMBIENTAL: MÉTODOS DE CONCENTRAÇÃO E DETECÇÃO DE Cryptosporidium spp. E Giardia spp. EM AMOSTRAS DE ÁGUA

Abstract

The transmission of waterborne pathogenic protozoa is one of the most relevant public health problems nowadays. Numerous epidemic outbreaks caused by Giardia and Cryptosporidium have occurred worldwide in the recent past. However, the methods used for the detection of cysts and oocysts in water samples are influenced by physico-chemical characteristics of water matrix such as turbidity. This review presents a critical analysis of the different concentration methodologies for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in water samples destined for human consumption. The implementation of the monitoring of these protozoa is needed in Brazil considering the recent revision of the Ministerial Decree n.518.