Cryptosporidial infection

Clinical Manifestations	Appropriate Tests
Asymptomatic
Diarrhoea	Faeces - ova, cysts and parasites; testing for cryptosporidia may need to be specifically requested. HIV antibodies testing (with consent and counselling) should be performed if diarrhoea is severe or prolonged.
Cholecystitis	Occurs in about 10% of AIDS patients with cryptosporidiosis. Diagnosis often made histologically after cholecystectomy or by microscopy of bile for oocysts. Cryptosporidia may not be present in faeces.

Clinical Manifestations

Appropriate Tests

Asymptomatic

Diarrhoea

Faeces - ova, cysts and parasites; testing for cryptosporidia may need to be specifically requested.

HIV antibodies testing (with consent and counselling) should be performed if diarrhoea is severe or prolonged.

Cholecystitis

Occurs in about 10% of AIDS patients with cryptosporidiosis.

Diagnosis often made histologically after cholecystectomy or by microscopy of bile for oocysts.

Cryptosporidia may not be present in faeces.

Glossary Terms