Abstract # A-62
Recovery of oocysts of Cyclospora sp. and Eimeria spp. from the surface of raspberries. A.M. Adams1, J.M. Johnson2, K.C. Jinneman1, J.H. Wetherington2, and M.M. Wekell1. Seafood Products Research Center1 and Seattle District Regulatory Laboratory2, Food and Drug Administration, Bothell, WA 98041.
Interest in methods to recover and identify Cyclospora sp. from produce has increased with the incidence of outbreaks caused by this parasite. At the present time, 5 to 15% of the oocysts of Cyclospora sp. or Eimeria spp. ( a closely related genus) are recovered in spiking experiments. Methods of detection and identification (PCR and microscopy) for these coccidian parasites are relatively sensitive, but are dependent on the ability to remove oocysts from the produce. Raspberries are particularly troublesome in respect to the fine hairs that thickly cover the surfaces. Different wash methods, comprising varying solutions, were utilized in the laboratory. No appreciable differences were noted among distilled water, ethanol, or solutions containing surfactants. Surfactants used included Laureth 12 and SDS with 1% Tween. Use of mild enzyme solutions appear to affect the hairs and surface of the raspberries with no effect on the oocysts of Cyclospora and Eimeria even after 24 hours exposure. These enzymes solutions were compared to the above treatments in regards to the recovery of oocysts.