Abstract: A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retentate for the presence of at least one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter. While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retantate for the presence of at one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.

Abstract: Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container.

Abstract: The present invention provides in situ hybridization probes which include a marker and a nucleic acid molecule able to hybridize exclusively with only one species of Encephalitozoon. The nucleic acid molecule may be, for example, complimentary to segment 878-896 of 16S rRNA of Encephalitozoon hellem spores. Specifically disclosed probes are those including the following nucleotides: (1) 5?-ACT CTC ACA CTC ACT TCA G-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 1) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon hellem, (2) 5?-CAG ACC ACT ATC TGC A-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 2) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and (3) 5?-GTT CTC CTG CCC GCT TCA G-3? (Seq. I.D. No. 3) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The assay of the present invention utilizes a sample such as surface, ground or drinking water, suspected of containing one of the aforementioned species as a target organism.

Abstract: Microsporidial species can be detected in samples using real-time PCR dual-fluorescent assays with species-specific primer set and a dual fluorescent labeled hybridization probe. Cyclospora cayetanensis can be detected in samples using a real-time PCR dual-fluorescent assay with a primer set and dual fluorescent labeled hybridization probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides in situ hybridization probes which include a marker and a nucleic acid molecule able to hybridize exclusively with only one species of Encephalitozoon. The nucleic acid molecule may be, for example, complimentary to segment 878-896 of 16S rRNA of Encephalitozoon hellem spores. Specifically disclosed probes are those including the following nucleotides: (1) 5′-ACT CTC ACA CTC ACT TCA G-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 1) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon hellem, (2) 5′-CAG ACC ACT ATC TGC A-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 2) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and (3) 5′-GTT CTC CTG CCC GCT TCA G-3′ (Seq. I.D. No. 3) which is species specific for Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The assay of the present invention utilizes a sample such as surface, ground or drinking water, suspected of containing one of the aforementioned species as a target organism.