Particle dispersion for further Cryptosporidium and Giardia detection by flow cytometry.

Aims: The aim of this study was to overcome the analytical problems encountered during the detection of protozoans by flow cytometry resulting from particle compaction.

Methods And Results: Malvern Mastersizer (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) was used to characterize the particle distribution of four different water samples and/or particle concentrates incubated with (i) low ionic strength solution or sequestring agent, (ii) anionic or non-ionic surfactants (iii) industry detergent formulations and (iv) physical treatment. The recovery of oocysts and cysts in seeded and treated particle concentrates was estimated by cytometry and microscopy.

Lymphoproliferative immune function in the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort, infected with natural nef/long terminal repeat mutants, and in other long-term survivors of transfusion-acquired HIV-1 infection.

Objectives: To assess T-helper cell immune function (proliferation) in members of the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort (SBBC) compared with other individuals with transfusion- and sexually acquired HIV-1 infection and with matched HIV-negative controls.

Design And Methods: Decreasing CD4 counts and T-helper cell function are associated with disease progression. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from study subjects were assayed for in vitro proliferative responses to HIV-1-derived antigens, recall antigens and alloantigen.