ABSTRACT
The waterborne pathogenic protozoan species Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. have been responsible for the majority (90%) of the gastroenteritis outbreaks that have occurred in the last 25 years in various countries. This paper discusses evaluation criteria pertaining to the steps involved in the detection of these microorganisms in water samples, such as: initial precision, inoculation in environmental samples, diagnosis and error localization. These criteria should be often applied and evaluated by laboratories in order to assure the reliability of the results obtained in a program of monitoring, thus aiding in the evaluation of the risks of outbreaks.
KEY WORDS
Quality assurance; detection methods; Cryptosporidium spp.; Giardia spp.; water
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