Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp.)
2012 Case Definition
2012 Case Definition
CSTE Position Statement(s)
- 11-ID-14
Clinical Description
A gastrointestinal illness characterized by diarrhea and one or more of the following: diarrhea duration of 72 hours or more, abdominal cramping, vomiting, or anorexia.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
Confirmed: Evidence of Cryptosporidium organisms or DNA in stool, intestinal fluid, tissue samples, biopsy specimens, or other biological sample by certain laboratory methods with a high positive predictive value (PPV), e.g.,
- Direct fluorescent antibody [DFA] test,
- Polymerase chain reaction [PCR],
- Enzyme immunoassay [EIA], OR
- Light microscopy of stained specimen.
Probable: The detection of Cryptosporidium antigen by a screening test method, such as immunochromatographic card/rapid card test; or a laboratory test of unknown method.
Case Classification
Probable
- A case with supportive laboratory test results for Cryptosporidia spp. infection using a method listed in the probable laboratory criteria. When the diagnostic test method on a laboratory test result for cryptosporidiosis cannot be determined, the case can only be classified as probable, OR
- A case that meets the clinical criteria and is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
Confirmed
A case that is diagnosed with Cryptosporidium spp. infection based on laboratory testing using a method listed in the confirmed criteria.
Comments
Persons who have a diarrheal illness and are epidemiologically linked to a probable case because that individual was only diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis by an immunocard/rapid test/ or unknown test method cannot be classified as probable cases. These epi-links can be considered suspect cases only.