infections
Cryptosporidiosis
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis
Stool tests To diagnose cryptosporidiosis, a doctor sends a stool sample to be tested for a protein released by the parasite (antigen testing) or for the parasite's genetic material (DNA). Another approach is to examine stool under a microscope forCryptosporidiumeggs, but this method is less sensitive, and several stool samples may be needed to find the parasite. Specialized techniques can be used to increase the chances of identifying the eggs. Doctors may use a flexible viewing tube ( Endoscopy ) to examine the upper part of digestive tract, including the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), when diagnostic tests of stool do not identify a cause for persistent diarrhea. Doctors may use this procedure to obtain a sample of tissue to be examined and analyzed (biopsied). 