METHOD FOR DETECTING GIARDIA AND OTHER WATERBORNE PATHOGENS

摘要

This invention provides for improved methods for detecting microorganisms, especially species of Giardia, in water and other samples. The methods rely on nucleic acid probes and amplification primers specific for subsequences of the gene encoding giardin. This invention also provides for primers and probes specific for amplifying and detecting subsequences of giardin in samples where the subsequences are either conserved across the genera or specific to human pathogenic forms of Giardia. In addition, this invention provides for an effective means of distinguishing between living and dead waterborne organisms such as Giardia cysts based upon the presence or absence of heat-induced mRNA. Finally this invention provides for kits embracing the above aspects.