Label-free detection and enumeration of Giardia cysts in agitated suspensions using in situ microscopy

Laboratory procedures performed in water treatment studies frequently require the characterization of (oo)cyst suspensions. Standard methods commonly used are laborious, expensive and time-consuming, besides requiring well-trained personnel to prepare samples with fluorescent staining and perform analysis under fluorescence microscopy. In this study, an easy cost-effective in situ microscope was assessed to acquire images of Giardia cysts directly from agitated suspensions without using any chemical labels or sample preparation steps. An image analysis algorithm analyzes the acquired images, and automatically enumerates and provides morphological information of cysts within 10 min. The proposed system was evaluated at different cyst concentrations, achieving a limit of detection of ~30 cysts/mL. The proposed system overcomes cost, time and labor demands by standard methods and has the potential to be an alternative technique for the characterization of Giardia cyst suspensions in resource-limited facilities, since it is independent of experts and free of consumables. •First application of in situ microscopy for Giardia cysts detection and enumeration.•Label-free enumeration of Giardia cysts directly from agitated suspensions.•Concentration steps are not required for sample analysis.•Morphological information of cysts are provided.•The proposed system is expert-independent and free of consumables.