PCR detection of cryptosporidium: the way forward?

In this article, Una Morgan and Andrew Thompson briefly review the latest information on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in both clinical and environmental samples. Current detection methods for Cryptosporidium are cumbersome, time-consuming and lack sensitivity. A variety of PCR tests have been described recently in the literature and this article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each new technique and their potential for future diagnosis of Cryptosporidium.