Cryptosporidium is a coccidian parasite that has gained much attention in the last 20 years as a clinically important human pathogen.To obtain the desired reliable ,cheap method for diagnosis of cryptospridialinfection,Five techniques for detection were experimentally studied on 120 experimentally infected mice.These methods included direct stool examination by modified ZiehlNeelsen (MZN) technique ,detection of cryptosporidial antibodies in serum using ELISA ,histopatholgy,indirectimmunoperoxidase for detecting the extent of antigen deposition in tissues and scanning electron microscopy .Modified ZiehlNeelsen technique proved to be the method of choice with a sensitivity of 100% as it samples the entire gut ,cheap and easy for clinical application for diagnosis and follow up after treatment. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgM and IgG with resulting sensitivity of 88>2% and 53.5% respectively.Histopathological examination and indirect immunoperoxidase technique were invasive with high incidence of false negative results due to patchy affection of the intestine.Indirectimmunoperoxidase needed a long time for preparation of hyperimmune serum in rabbits which is not a handy technique .As regards electron microscopy ,it was an expensive and invasive , better to be preserved for academic interest to study the different stages of the parasite. The latter 4 techniques are suitable for research studies and for confirmation if the results of stool examination by MZN are doubtful |
