DNA Aptamer-Based Staining and Fluorescence Microscopy for Rapid Detection of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Oocysts

John G. Bruno, Jeffrey Sivils, Mohan Natarajan, Sumathy Mohan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There are no commercial antibodies for detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis, only a relatively slow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, DNA aptamers have recently been developed by our group against known proteins and whole oocysts of C. cayetanensis and shown to specifically detect the oocysts when attached on their 5’ ends to red-emitting fluorophores and used as probes for fluorescence microscopy. Aptamers developed against recombinant wall protein 2 and TA4 antigen-like protein as well as whole oocysts specifically stained C. cayetanensis oocysts while exhibiting little, if any, staining of numerous other waterborne parasite species. Interestingly, the aptamers stained both exterior cell wall moieties and internal structures, suggesting that the aptamers penetrate the oocysts even without added detergents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Fluorescence
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2023

Keywords

  • Aptamer
  • Cyclospora
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Food safety
  • Oocyst
  • Parasite
  • Rapid method

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'DNA Aptamer-Based Staining and Fluorescence Microscopy for Rapid Detection of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Oocysts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this