Technology Description:   Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists developed an antibody assay for detecting the human and animal protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), in water.  Thousands of C. parvum are present in water.  However, the parasite is very difficult to detect, since thousands of the parasites are present but only a few of these infect humans and animals.  C. parvum are very small (4-6 microns), and can only be seen with a microscope.   The invention encompasses a method for detecting a virus that grows in the C. parvum parasite (a parasite of a parasite), which can be used to develop a more sensitive test kit.   The technology is an improved detection method of C. parvum in water that is more sensitive and specific than current reagents.  Other technologies exist, but they are either not sensitive or are too costly.  ARS’s invention should not only provide a new tool to the water industry for detecting C. parvum in water, but should also provide insight into the stability of the parasite in the environment.   ARS researchers are looking to partner with companies with expertise in monoclonal antibody development to further develop this invention into a test kit.  This invention could also be used with USPN 6,521,229 (Docket #0186.01), “A 41kDa Cryptosporidium parvum Oocyst Wall Protein,” which issued on February 18, 2003, and is a divisional of USPN 6,277,973 (Docket # 0046.99), which issued on August 21, 2001.   Diagnostic companies developing vaccines and diagnostic kits for Cryptosporidium parvum for use by clinicians, veterinarians, and water quality officials could develop this technology into a commercial kit.  The technology will have applications in the dairy, cattle, and water treatment industries.   Reference:   Please refer to S.N. 10/863,939 (Docket #0191.03), “A Sensitive Antibody-Based Method for Detecting Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts in Water,” which was filed June 9, 2004.  Foreign rights are available.   Inventor:   Mark C. Jenkins Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab Beltsville, MD  20705 (301) 504-8300 / Fax: (301) 504-5306 mjenkins@anri.barc.usda.gov