Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Crypto (2024)

FAQs

What testing method is used to diagnose cryptosporidiosis? ›

Stool specimen analysis

Historically, to help diagnose cryptosporidiosis (diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium), stool specimens have been examined microscopically using different techniques — such as acid-fast staining, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), or enzyme immunoassay.

Consequently, although microscopy is currently regarded as the gold standard in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis, it seems likely that molecular methods will eventually replace microscopy altogether.

What is Cryptosporidium? Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes a diarrheal illness called cryptosporidiosis (the parasite and the disease are often called “Crypto”). Crypto is a common waterborne illness and is the most common cause of recreational water illness in the United States.

Most people with a healthy immune system don't need to be treated. Cryptosporidiosis will resolve on its own. In those who have a weak immune system, the focus of treatment is often on getting the immunity back. Otherwise, a medicine called nitazoxanide can be used to treat this parasite.

Laboratory diagnosis is required, usually by detection of oocysts, antigens, or DNA in stool samples. Presents as watery diarrhoea, often with severe abdominal pain, commonly lasting >7 days. The disease is self-limiting in immunocompetent patients.

Generally individuals with Cryptosporidium do not require treatment. Antibiotics do not help. They usually only need to take care to drink plenty water or other clear fluids. The GP should be contacted if symptoms become severe.

You should pay special attention to hygiene during farm visits, washing hands after any contact with animals, and eating only in designated areas. Cryptosporidiosis is highly infectious, so you need to be very clean around your home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidium infection and how long do they last? The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea. This may last between 2 days and 4 weeks and can come and go over this period. Most cases resolve within four weeks.

Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover from cryptosporidiosis (typically diarrhea lasting days to weeks) without treatment. Nitazoxanide is a prescription medication to treat cryptosporidiosis in people with healthy immune systems and at least one year old.

Cryptosporidiosis is an illness you get from the parasite Cryptosporidium. It causes watery diarrhea that can be severe.

What is the best way to remove Cryptosporidium? ›

Boiling (Rolling boil for 1 minute) has a very high effectiveness in killing Cryptosporidium; Filtration has a high effectiveness in removing Cryptosporidium when using an absolute less than or equal to 1 micron filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58 rated “cyst reduction / removal” filter);

Nitazoxanide (Alinia)

Nitazoxanide is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment for cryptosporidiosis in adults and children older than 12 months. It is administered in a 3-day, twice-daily course of tablets or oral suspension.

Molecular methods (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR)]) are increasingly used in reference diagnostic laboratories, since they can identify Cryptosporidium at the species level.

Modified Acid-Fast Staining Procedure

This technique is useful for the identification of oocysts of the coccidian species (Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Cyclospora), which may be difficult to detect with routine stains such as trichrome.

Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis in Animals

Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is based on detection of oocysts by examination of fecal smears with Ziehl-Neelsen stains, fecal flotation techniques, ELISA, fluorescent-labeled antibodies, a rapid immunochromatographic test, and PCR.

Traditionally, the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium and Giardia is mainly based on the detection of the typical morphological characteristics of oocysts/cysts in stool specimens, either by using acid-fast staining (Garcia et al., 1983) or by an indirect immunofluorescence assay procedure with monoclonal or polyclonal ...