Those who are infected may shed oocysts in their stool for months, even after they no longer appear to be ill. Cryptosporidiosis may cause complications for those with illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, or pregnancy. The effects of prolonged diarrhea and dehydration can be dangerous, especially for the very young, the elderly, and the frail. This disease can be life-threatening for the immunocompromised. Cryptosporidiosis cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone.
Watery diarrhea is a symptom of many intestinal diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
If Cryptosporidium is the suspected cause of an intestinal illness, the doctor should request a specific diagnostic test. There is currently no drug that can cure cryptosporidiosis. People with competent immune systems will recover on their own and appear to develop some immunity to subsequent infections. Anti-diarrheal medicines may ease some of the symptoms. Anyone with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.