A Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) Scheme for Epidemiological Investigations of Cryptosporidium parvum.

A multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme has been validated and used for subtyping Cryptosporidium parvum, to infer linkage between cases, and suspected sources, in outbreaks and for epidemiological surveillance. Here, we describe the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, fragment sizing, and bioinformatics to identify alleles and create a seven-locus MLVA profile for each specimen. The PCRs to produce amplicons for Sanger sequencing to confirm new alleles are also described.