In persons who lack normal immune function, cryptosporidiosis can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea and has been associated with liver and gall bladder disease. Persons at greatest risk for severe problems include those having HIV infection, receiving cancer chemotherapy or taking drugs that suppress the immune system. After swallowing the oocysts, illness may occur in about two to ten days. See your physician as soon as possible, especially if your immune system is suppressed. If your doctor suspects cryptosporidiosis, you will be asked to submit a stool sample.
Diagnosis is made by using special stains on the sample and then examining it under a microscope.
Not all laboratories have the capability or experience to do the test and it must be specifically requested by the doctor. Since Cryptosporidium is passed in the stool, children and staff in daycare centers, health care workers, or people who handle food should not go to school or work while they have diarrhea. After diarrhea ends, persons may return to work or school but they should carefully wash their hands after using the toilet. People with healthy immune systems usually get well on their own. People with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids.