We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Establishment of microbiological and molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium in vegetable food and faeces of game
Project
Project code: BfR-BIOS-08-1322-689
Contract period: 01.01.2018
- 31.12.2019
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Every year more than eight million cases of cryptosporidiosis are reported worldwide (WHO, 2015). This disease is a widespread intestinal infection of the gut of humans and animals, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium (C.). Of particular importance for humans are the species C. hominis and C. parvum, which are responsible for the majority of infections. The disease is characterized by long-lasting diarrhea and abdominal pain. Normally it is a self-limiting progress but it can also result in highly severe or chronic manifestations in risk groups (young children under two years of age, immunocompromised persons). In Germany 1,863 cases have been confirmed by the Robert Koch Institute in the year 2017. But the real number is estimated much higher because only persons with suspicion were tested for cryptosporidiosis. The infection is normally caused by the uptake of the infectious state of the parasite, the oocysts. They were excreted with the faeces after its propagation in the gut and could be ingested by the contact to infected persons and animals, but especially by the consumption of contaminated water and food with a low grade of processing. The contamination of the food can happen in many different ways, e.g. during preparation, processing or even on the field through contaminated wild animals. During the last research project it could be firstly shown for Germany that the prevalence of cryptosporidium in wild boars (Sus scrofa), roe deers (Capreolus capreolus) and red deers of Brandenburg is high (on average 26 %, roe deers 42 %). These investigations shall be continued in the hunting season of 2018/19. Furthermore the species of the gained isolates of both probing periods shall be determined by RFLP and Sanger sequencing. Moreover because of the weak data situation in Germany the prevalence of cryptosporidium in food with a low grade of processing shall be determined (e. g. salads, berries, fresh herbs). Therefore firstly the ISO method 18744:2015 for the detection of fresh leafy green vegetables and soft berry fruits shall be established. Additionally because of the lack of harmonized methods for the molecular detection of cryptosporidium the optimization of the oocyst disruption shall be extended for two further genes (GP60, COWP).
Section overview
Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Food microbiology
- Toxicology
