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

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 225; no. 7; pp. 1090 - 1092
• Main Authors: Muccio, J.L, Grooms, D.L, Mansfield, L.S, Wise, A.G, Maes, R.K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2004
• Subjects: accuracy; Animals; antigens; calves; Cattle; cattle diseases; Cattle Diseases - diagnosis; cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidiosis - diagnosis; Cryptosporidiosis - veterinary; Cryptosporidium parvum; Cryptosporidium parvum - isolation & purification; diarrhea; disease detection; disease diagnosis; feces; Feces - parasitology; Female; Male; neonates; oocysts; Parasite Egg Count - methods; Parasite Egg Count - veterinary; rapid methods; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0003-1488; 1943-569X
• DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.1090

To evaluate 2 rapid, patient-side assays for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in feces from neonatal calves with diarrhea. Diagnostic test evaluation Sample Population-Fecal samples from 96 neonatal (1 to 30 days old) calves with diarrhea. Results of the rapid assays were compared with results of microscopic examination of fecal smears that had been stained with diamant fuchsin stain. 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. Results suggest that these 2 rapid assays are accurate when used to detect C. parvum in fecal samples from neonatal calves with diarrhea.