Raman spectral analysis of pathogens
First Claim
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1. A method of assessing occurrence of a pathogen in a sample, the method comprising:
- obtaining a visual microscopic image of the sample, wherein the visual microscopic image includes morphological and structural information representative of the sample;
irradiating the sample to thereby generate Raman scattered radiation; and
identifying the occurrence of the pathogen in the sample by assessing the morphological and structural information for characteristics of the pathogen and the Raman scattered radiation from the sample for radiation that exhibits a Raman shift characteristic of the pathogen.
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Abstract
Raman scattering of radiation applied to a water sample is used to assess occurrence of a pathogen in the sample. The method is useful for detecting pathogens that are difficult to detect using other methods, such as protozoa. Examples of organisms that can be detected in water samples using these methods include protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium and the genus Giardia. The methods described herein have important applications, such as for detection of Cryptosporidium organisms in municipal water systems.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of assessing occurrence of a pathogen in a sample, the method comprising:
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obtaining a visual microscopic image of the sample, wherein the visual microscopic image includes morphological and structural information representative of the sample; irradiating the sample to thereby generate Raman scattered radiation; and identifying the occurrence of the pathogen in the sample by assessing the morphological and structural information for characteristics of the pathogen and the Raman scattered radiation from the sample for radiation that exhibits a Raman shift characteristic of the pathogen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of assessing occurrence of a viable biological pathogen in a sample, the method comprising:
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obtaining a visual microscopic image of the sample, wherein the visual microscopic image includes morphological and structural information representative of the sample; irradiating the sample to thereby generate Raman scattered radiation; and identifying the occurrence of the viable biological pathogen in the sample by assessing the morphological and structural information for characteristics of the viable biological pathogen and the Raman scattered radiation from the sample for radiation that exhibits a Raman shift characteristic of the viable biological pathogen.
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Specification