Abstract: A method of enhancing the fluorescence of and/or producing an increased Stokes' shift in a fluorescent dye comprising combining the dye with a base and/or a detergent is described. The method is suitable in chemical or biochemical techniques using fluorescent dyes, particularly techniques requiring staining or labeling of organic molecules, such as electrophoresis.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide molecules for the detection of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia which molecules hybridise under medium to high stringency conditions to unique 18S rDNA/rRNA sequences of G. lamblia, and methods for the detection of the presence of viable cells of G. lamblia in samples using the oligonucleotide molecules.

Abstract: A method of producing IgG1 subclass antibodies reactive to the surface of Crystosporidium oocysts, the method comprising: (a) separating at least a protion of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall from the internal sporozoites to form an oocyst-wall preparation; (b) treating the separated oocyst-wall preparation so as to obtain an oocyst antigen preparation capable of eliciting a detectable IgG1 immune response in an animal to the surface of the oocyst; (c) immunizing an animal with the oocyst antigen preparation so as to elicit an IgG1 immune response in the animal; and (d) obtaining from the animal IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts. IgG1 antibodies reactive to the surface of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Abstract: Methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by binding detectable particles and fluorescent labelled ligands reactive to the microorganisms. The present invention also includes the use of multiple fluorochromes for the detection of microorganisms and is adaptable for use in flow cytometry.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide molecules and methods are disclosed for the detection of viable oocysts or other cells of the protozoa species, Cyrptosporidium parvum. Preferred oligonucleotide molecules are selected from the group comprising oligonucleotides having one or more of the following sequences: (a) ACA ATT ATT, (b) CTT TTT GGT, (c) ATT TTA TAT AAA ATA TTT TGA TGA A, (d) TTT TTT TTT TTA GTA T, (e) TAT ATT TTT TAT CTG, (f) CTT TAC TTA CAT GGA TAA CCG, or comprising a part of the sequences (a) to (f) above so as to allow specific hybridization to unique 18S rRNA sequences of C. parvum.