Evaluation of two rapid assays for detecting Cryptosporidium parvum in calf feces.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 2 rapid, patient-side assays for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in feces from neonatal calves with diarrhea.

DESIGN

Diagnostic test evaluation Sample Population-Fecal samples from 96 neonatal (1 to 30 days old) calves with diarrhea.

PROCEDURE: Results of the rapid assays were compared with results of microscopic examination of fecal smears that had been stained with diamant fuchsin stain.

RESULTS

One of the rapid assays correctly identified 56 of 62 (90%) fecal samples positive for C. parvum oocysts and 33 of 34 (97%) fecal samples negative for oocysts. The other assay correctly identified 53 of 62 (85%) fecal samples positive for oocysts and 33 of 34 (97%) fecal samples negative for oocysts.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that these 2 rapid assays are accurate when used to detect C. parvum in fecal samples from neonatal calves with diarrhea.