| Diagnostic methods | Pros and cons |
| Parasitological methods | |
Oocysts are detected in formalin- or SAF-fixed (to limit infection risk of laboratory personnel) concentrated faeces using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain, auramine or FITC-labelled specific monoclonal antibodies.
The number of oocysts is inversely correlated with the consistency of the stool. | |
| Molecular diagnosis | |
Comparative analysis of a nested PCR did not reveal a higher sensitivity than the direct fluorescent antibody or the antigen EIA test.
A recently described multiplex real-time PCR assay detects simultaneously Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Entamoeba. | - High sensitivity and specificity
- High cost
|
| Antigen detection | |
| Several commercially available test kits detect Cryptosporidium copro-antigens in faecal samples by immunochromatographic, immunoenzyme or direct fluorescent antibody assays. | - Higher sensitivity than microscopy (often >95%)
- Excellent specificity
- Various demands on sample preparation (fresh, frozen, or fixed stools)
- Detection of only one pathogen (however there is a combination test with Giardia or the Triage Micro Parasite Panel assay which also includes E. histolytica/E. dispar)
|
| Antibody detection | |
| Of no diagnostic relevance! | |
