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Step 1
Observe the first symptoms of cryptosporidisosis after an incubation period of five to 10 days. The patient experiences watery diarrhea that may be accompanied by a mild fever and abdominal cramps. This lasts for five to 10 days in immunocompetent individuals.
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Step 2
Examine a stool sample microscopically. Cryptosporidium will show as red-stained oocysts on a blue-green background when subjected to a modified acid-fast stain but blood cells should be absent. The stool culture also should be used to rule out other pathogens.
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Step 3
Perform antigen-detection assays to confirm a diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the most sensitive but it is not always available. Other tests include an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, an immunochromatographic assay and an immunofluorescent assay.
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Step 4
Use an ultrasound to check for biliary cryptosporidiosis. Infection of the bile system may be indicated by dilated or irregular bile ducts and a thickened gallbladder.
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Step 5
Confirm a diagnosis of biliary cryptosporidiosis with an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP.) The ERCP is often required to detect an inflammation of the bile duct and papillary stenosis.
