Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum using a specific polymerase chain reaction

The design and use of polymerase chain reaction primers and probes as reagents for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum are described. Sensitive and specific amplification of a 329 base pair product was demonstrated by ethidium bromide staining and hybridisation of radiolabelled probes. These reagents have the potential for application to diagnostic samples, environmental monitoring and epidemiological surveys.

Nematode egg output and plasma concentration of ivermectin after its administration to red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus)

Blood and faecal samples were analysed in a study to evaluate the use of ivermectin in red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus elaphus). It was demonstrated that ivermectin, when used at 400 micrograms/kg bodyweight, proved to be more efficient than 200 micrograms/kg bodyweight although positive worm egg counts together with the isolation of lungworm (Dictyocaulus species) larvae were recorded from hinds having received the anthelmintic at the higher dose.