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Revista Cubana de Higiene y Epidemiología

versión On-line ISSN 1561-3003

Resumen

FUNDORA HERNANDEZ, Hermes et al. Immunological methods for the quick identification of bacteria and protozoa in water. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2013, vol.51, n.1, pp.84-96. ISSN 1561-3003.

Diseases related to the use of water may be caused by chemical substances or biological agents. Among the latter, a prominent role is played by pathogenic bacteria and protozoa, which constantly add to the list of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Assay methods to identify pathogenic microorganisms in water have not changed much in recent years, particularly with respect to bacterial indicators of fecal contamination, and tests are usually conducted by conventional methods. However, in certain situations, especially when a disease outbreak occurs, it is necessary to determine what pathogenic microorganism is the possible causal agent, and quick, reliable methods have been recommended to achieve this aim. These include immunoassays, among which precipitation and agglutination methods, enzyme immunoassays, direct and indirect immunofluorescence techniques and flow cytometry have proven very useful to detect microorganisms in water. Special mention should be made of immunomagnetic separation or immunocapture as a step preceding other advanced techniques. The present paper is aimed at presenting the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, as well as the principles on which they are based. Examples are provided of the methods most commonly used in water microbiology, highlighting their importance.

Palabras clave : immunoassays; bacteria; protozoa; water; water microbiology; quick identification.

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