Abstract: ELISA, Western Blot, and a peptide-based ELISA were applied to clinical specimens from patients with clinical symptoms of tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Peptides from different components of Borrelia during different cycles, including peptides from outer surface protein, leukocyte function associated antigens, immunodominant antigens, variable major proteins, and peptides from decorin-binding proteins of Borrelial subspecies (B. sensu stricto. B. afzelii, B. garinii) were used. Antibodies against specific peptides from Babesia and Ehrlichia were also measured.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody-coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are contacted simultaneously or sequentially with a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind to form bead-cell complexes. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The bead-cell complexes are then separated from the suspension The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A method of quantitating a specific cell type is provided. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting gluten-induced diseases such as e.g. celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. Said diseases are indicated by the presence of autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase tTG in the blood The test is carried out on a whole blood sample using tTG liberated from the red blood cells of the blood sample as an autoantigen. The liberated autoantigens react with the autoantibodies in the sample and form antigen-antibody complexes, which are detected. The presence of such complexes indicates the disease. The invention is also directed to the use of the autoantigen in a test and to a test-kit.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are added simultaneously or sequentially to a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The suspension is then filtered to trap bead-cell complexes. The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detection and/or quantification of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a sample derived from an individual's blood, the method being based on a sandwich immunoassay employing at least two capture antibodies and at least one tracer antibody, in which a first capture antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to the part of the cTnI midfragment, which is slightly affected by the interfering factor, and a second capture antibody is directed to another of these parts, and a tracer antibody is directed to the N-terminal part of cTnI, to the C-terminal part of cTnI or to TnC, which is complexed with cTnI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods for the determination of cobalamin or vitamin B12 in a body fluid and in particular to assay methods for the metabolically active pool of cobalamin, comprising contacting a cell free sample of a body fluid with an immobilised or immobilizable specific binding ligand for TC II or holo TC II, separating a ligand bound fraction from a non-ligand bound fraction and measuring the holo-TC II or TC-II bound cobalamin content therein.

Abstract: GPE antibodies recognize GPE with high specificity. When used in a radioimmunoassay, they reliably measure the concentration of GPE. They may be used to extend the half-life of GPE both in vivo and in vitro, and in methods of purifying the GPE receptor. Two methods of rpHPLC accurately revolve GPE on the basis of its hydrophobicity.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: The invention provides assay methods for the detection and quantitation of gastrin hormones, including total and free gastrin hormone in a sample. ELISA-type heterogeneous phase assays suitable for use with biological fluid samples such as blood, plasma or other bodily fluids of a mammal, particularly a human subject are provided. The method provides a precise assay for the amounts of free and total G17 and G34 in biological fluid samples, as well as the amounts of free and total Gly-extended G17, and Gly-extended G34. Also provided are methods of determining suitable treatment for patient suffering from a gastrin hormone-mediated disease or condition employing gastrin hormone immunoassays.

Abstract: A process for isolating and/or identifying at least one active chemical substance from a mixture of active and inactive chemical substances, is characterized by the steps: a) adding a target to said mixture and forming a complex of target and at least one active chemical substance of the mixture, b) separating the complex from the inactive chemical substances of the mixture, and either c) liberating and isolating and/or identifying at least one active chemical substance from the separated complex or d) identifying at least one active chemical substance of the mixture by subtracting from a chromatogram of the mixture of active and inactive chemical substances a chromatogram of the mixture of inactive chemical substances which is obtained after separation of the complex, and possibly liberating and isolating the at least one active substance from the separated complex.

Abstract: An assay for the detection of haptoglobin (Hp) in milk using an Hp-specific antibody as a means to predict or detect mastitis or subclinical mastitis by way of Hp being an associated marker and/or to test the quality of milk, in, for example, dairy cattle.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can be used either alone or in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only non-complexed PSA, but also PSA which has formed a complex with ?1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes or precipitates complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) and ACT from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to the binding of complexed PSA to assay reagents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for quantitative or qualitative determination of an analyte or its interaction or reaction kinetics in a system with at least two different phases, comprising the step of taking at least one measurement signal from at least one of the phases, whereby the different phases are present in parallel when taking the signal and whereby each measurement signal is attributed to one of at least two phases. In addition, the invention concerns a sample carrier, in particular for use in the method constituting the invention with one or more wells. The sample carrier is characterized by the fact that at least a portion of the sample carrier at least in the range of one or more wells is coated with fluorescence-quenching material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing a biological sample by antibody profiling for identifying forensic samples or for detecting the presence of an analyte. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the analyte is a drug, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, methyltestosterone, or mesterolone. The method involves attaching antigens to the surface of a solid support in a preselected pattern to form an array wherein the locations of the antigens are known; contacting the array with the biological sample such that a portion of antibodies in the sample reacts with and binds to antigens in the array, thereby forming immune complexes; washing away antibodies that do form immune complexes; and detecting the immune complexes, thereby forming an antibody profile. Forensic samples are identified by comparing a sample from an unknown source with a sample from a known source.

Abstract: Methods of detecting antibodies to one or more glycosphingolipid(s) of interest in a sample are disclosed which comprise using a solid-phase reactant having carbonyl groups attached theron, and the glycosphingolipid(s) of interest linked to the solid-phase reactant by an amide bond between an amino group of the glycosphingolipid of interest and a carbonyl group attached to the solid-phase reactant. The methods of detecting antibodies to glycosphingolipid(s) of interest can be used in methods of diagnosing autoimmune diseases in an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the immunological status of a subject comprising the steps of 1) determining the content of an antibody in a liquid sample from the subject using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the presence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 1, 2) determining the content of an antibody in the liquid sample using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the absence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 2, and 3) interrelating measurements 1 and 2 to express the interference and using the interference as a parameter for evaluating the immunological status of the subje

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.

Abstract: A structure and method for chemical sensing utilizing microassays. Microcavities or micropores are combined with assay techniques to provide a very fast and very sensitive means of detecting chemical compounds. Assay techniques are modified to include a metal ion binding carrier species especially suitable for use in conjunction with the electrochemical detection. This allows assays to be combined with electrochemical analysis, thus allowing the high speed ease and hypersensitivity available in the invention disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis-based method of screening complex materials for any unidentified affinity ligand that binds to a target of interest. The method subjects a plug of a mixture of the target and a complex material sample, and a separate plug of a known, tight-binding competitive ligand, to capillary electrophoresis under conditions optimized to allow mingling of the two plugs during the capillary electrophoresis run. Preferably, migration of the competitive ligand is tracked.

Abstract: An immunoassay for detecting an antigen in a sample, by: (a) sequentially contacting the sample with (i) a first antibody which is capable of specifically binding to a first binding site on the antigen, and then (ii) a second antibody which is capable of specifically binding to a second binding site on the antigen, thereby forming, when the antigen is present in the sample, an agglutinate comprising the first antibody, the antigen, and the second antibody; followed by (b) optically measuring the amount of the agglutinate.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are added simultaneously or sequentially to a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The suspension is then filtered to trap bead-cell complexes. The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are novel complexes containing a crosslinked avidin, an analyzing method and analyzing reagents and kits whereby a compound to be analyzed can be quickly, conveniently and accurately analyzed while taking advantage of the avidin-biotin reaction. The complexes contain at least two homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and one crosslinked avidin sandwiched therebetween. In the analyzing method, the homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and the crosslinked avidin are used. The analyzing reagent contains the crosslinked avidin. The analyzing kit contains the crosslinked avidin and a biotinylating agent.

Abstract: A colloidal system for detection of a variety of analytes involves techniques which permit reconstitution of a desiccated substance such as for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis and multiple sensors at once, each having different spectra through the use of markers or the like. Competitive assay techniques and a variety of substances are explained to permit a practical an versatile system which can also be used for immunological assays and can include antibodies tagged to provide spectroscopic indicia.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel human Mab Fab, cloned by phage display, and its use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. In particular the invention provides a method for analyzing the OxLDL components of atherosclerotic plaques in vivo and a means to determine their relative pathology. As the method is based on a human Fab rather than a mouse Mab, the progress or regression of the disease may be monitored over time. The antibody may also be used for the analysis of surgical or serum samples ex vivo for the presence of OxLDL. The antibody may also be used to target therapeutic agents to the site of atherosclerotic plaques or may have use as a therapeutic agent itself.

Abstract: This invention provides receptor peptides that have a high affinity for STAT4 and STAT6 polypeptides. Also provided are assays that are useful for identifying compounds that modulate the interaction between STAT4 and STAT6 polypeptides and their respective cellular promoters. The assays are amenable to high throughput screening.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody-coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are contacted simultaneously or sequentially with a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind to form bead-cell complexes. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The bead-cell complexes are then separated from the suspension The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A method of quantitating a specific cell type is provided. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides assay methods and kits that in general measure the level of a first analyte in a sample reduced by the level of a second analyte present in the same sample. In one embodiment, where levels of a first analyte from a first source is desirably determined and first analyte in the sample released from a second source is accompanied by proportional co-release of a second analyte, the assay identifies the level of first analyte released only from the first source. For analytes within bodily fluids, the assay can differentiate between elevated levels of analyte specific to the particular physiological or pathological state and elevated levels not specific to the particular state, providing single tests with diagnostic utility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can be used either alone or in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only non-complexed PSA, but also PSA which has formed a complex with &agr;1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes or precipitates complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) and ACT from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to the binding of complexed PSA to assay reagents.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of patients at risk for developing integrin antagonist/agonist mediated disease states. This invention relates to assays useful for the detection in a patient bodily fluid sample of drug-dependent antibodies which bind to integrins, or intergrin-associated proteins or complexes thereof in the presence of an integrin antagonist/agonist. This invention also relates to assays useful for the detection in a patient bodily fluid sample of drug-dependent antibodies (DDABS) that bind to integrins, including the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa), in the presence of a integrin agonist and/or antagonist. This invention also relates to procedures for identifying integrin antagonists/agonists that are less prone to elicit integrin antagonist/agonist mediated disease states. This invention also relates to procedures which increase the recovery of integrin-directed antibodies in body fluids, resulting in an increased sensitivity and specificity of DDAB detection assays.

Abstract: Methods of detecting antibodies to one or more glycosphingolipid(s) of interest in a sample are disclosed which comprise using a solid-phase reactant having carbonyl groups attached thereon, and the glycosphingolipid(s) of interest linked to the solid-phase reactant by an amide bond between an amino group of the glycosphingolipid of interest and a carbonyl group attached to the solid-phase reactant. The methods of detecting antibodies to glycosphingolipid(s) of interest can be used in methods of diagnosing autoimmune diseases in an individual.

Abstract: A method of assaying for an analyte including the steps of: (i) passing a sample suspected of containing an analyte and reagents comprising a target ligand-analyte receptor conjugate and a detectable tracer containing a label for the analyte through filter apparatus containing a plurality of discrete flow zones wherein at least one zone functions as a capture zone having bonded thereto a receptor ligand for said target ligand; (ii) allowing the sample and accompanying reagents to incubate prior to passage through said at least one zone to facilitate formation of complex(es) of said conjugate and said at least one analyte in a liquid or fluid phase; and (iii) detecting the presence of analyte in the sample by activation of the label in said at least one zone after binding of the complex(es) conjugate to the associated receptor ligand(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to binding protein assays. In particular, this invention relates to binding protein assays for B12 and folate in serum or plasma. More specifically, this invention provides a sequential assay that uses a combination of specific binding proteins, and anti-binding protein antibodies to measure B12 and folate in serum or plasma.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to capillary electrophoretic methods for detecting ligands or hit compounds that can bind to a selected target at or above a selected binding strength. The method allows one to rank various ligands based on their relative affinity, i.e., the relative stability of the target/ligand complex during capillary electrophoresis under selected conditions. The method also enables selective detection of strong-to-moderate binding hit compounds, even in the presence of high concentrations of weaker, competitive hit compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the quantification and assessment of platelet activation in whole blood samples and monitoring of antiplatelet pharmacologic agents. The method for quantifying platelet activation includes exposing platelets to a physiological concentration of an agonist that activates some of the platelets, resulting in the formation of at least one binding site on the surface of the activated platelets, and measuring the activated platelets. The present invention provides a method of assessing specific components of platelet activation.

Abstract: An agglutination assay method for quantitatively determination of an analyte in a liquid sample using particles bearing an anti-analyte. A non-fluid substance which retains the particles while suppressing the diffusion of the particles therein is used as a medium which is to be a place where the agglutination of the particles takes place. Upon analysis, a solation agent is added to the non-fluid substance medium to increase the fluidity of the non-fluid substance, thereby the particles bearing the anti-analyte can diffuse in the medium to cause the agglutination with the analyte. Preferably, the solation agent is added to the non-fluid medium together with the sample. The non-fluid substance medium containing the particle-labeled anti-analyte can be stored with a higher stability in the dry state. A dry analysis element for enabling such analysis method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the immunological status of a subject comprising the steps of 1) determining the content of an antibody in a liquid sample from the subject using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the presence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 1, 2) determining the content of an antibody in the liquid sample using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the absence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 2, and 3) interrelating measurements 1 and 2 to express the interference and using the interference as a parameter for evaluating the immunological status of the subje

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which combines immunomagnetic enrichment with multiparameter flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analysis to detect, enumerate and characterize carcinoma cells in the blood. The assay can detect one epithelial cell or less in 1 ml of blood and has a greater sensitivity than conventional PCR or immunohistochemistry by 1-2 orders of magnitude. In addition, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of carcinoma cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunochemical method for detecting deposit of Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin or pesticidally-active fragment thereof on a plant or tree. The invention further relates to kits for using such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for at least one of detecting, quantifying or isolating at least one analyte from a liquid medium in which the analyte is distributed and comprises providing a reagent comprised of particles having a receptor for an analyte fixed to the particles distributed in the medium and a capturing means having an exposed surface defining an active zone. An intermediate reagent is formed by the complex of the reagent with the analyte. A second receptor is fixed in the active zone to capture either the analyte bound by the reagent or the receptor (capture partners). The active zone serves as a site of isolation and concentration of the capture partners.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing together in an aqueous medium to form a mixture: (i) the sample; (ii) at least one specific binder for the analyte; (iii) a first binding agent coupled to either (1) exogenous analyte or (2) the specific binder for the analyte; (iv) a support comprising a second binding agent; b) adding an activator to the mixture, wherein the activator binds the first binding agent and the second binding agent of the support to immobilize the first binding agent; c)determining the amount of the analyte in the sample by detecting the immobilized first binding agent, the presence or amount thereof being related to the presence or amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a competitive-binding, capillary electrophoretic method of detecting new therapeutic regulatory (modulating) and diagnostic compounds in natural samples and other complex biological materials. The present method generally comprises mixing a preselected, detectable target with a sample of complex biological material to produce a first, sample/target mixture capillary electrophoresis apparatus. Subsequently, the first mixture is mixed with a pre-selected, tight-binding competitive ligand (TBCL), prior to produce a second, sample/target/TBCL mixture, for a predetermined optional incubation period sufficient to allow the TBCL to bind a pre-selected percentage of the available target in the absence of any other ligand. An aliquot of the second mixture is subsequently subjected to pre-optimized capillary electrophoresis, during which the migration of the target is monitored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the status of a multiple sclerosis patient, i.e., predicting the transition from a status of relapsing-remitting to a progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, comprising the step of measuring the amount of urinary p-cresol sulfate in the patient. The present invention also provides a method of determining the amount of lesions and total lesion area of a multiple sclerosis patient, comprising the step of measuring the amount of urinary p-cresol sulfate in the patient. Further provided is a method of monitoring myelination in a developing child, comprising the step of: measuring the amount of p-cresol sulfate in the urine of said child.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic device for the colorimetric detection of an analyte in a test fluid. The device is a dry reagent layer which is overcoated with a transparent, fluid permeable membrane. The membrane is made up of a combination of a water dispersible and a water soluble polymer. The membrane may contain a surfactant and a thickener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of a water-borne parasite, such as Cryptosporidia. The detection or quantitation is accomplished by an electrochemiluminescence assay comprising the steps of filtering water to obtain a sludge thought to contain the parasite or a fragment thereof; extracting a sample of said sludge in a extraction medium to form antigenic derivatives of said parasite; forming an assay mixture comprising a sample of said extracted sludge and an antibody specific to said antigenic derivative; incubating said assay mixture to permit binding of said antibody and said antigenic derivative; and conducting an electrochemiluminescence assay for the bound complex of antibody and antigenic derivative, thereby detecting or quantitating the Cryptosporidia in said water.