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.
For this disease/condition, Confirmed and Probable case statuses are included in the released case count.
Comment
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.