Cryptosporidiosis in HIV-infected patients: diagnostic sensitivity of stool examination, based on number of specimens submitted.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal number of stool specimens needed for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.


METHODS
Four hundred thirty-five admissions were reviewed (291 patients) in which stool specimens were examined for Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts (mean of 1.47 specimens per admission), using a modified acid-fast stain. The diagnostic yield of each specimen was determined.


RESULTS
Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were found in 81 of 435 admissions (18.6%). Ninety-six percent of the positive cases were detected on the first stool specimen analysis, and 100% were detected by the second specimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Examination of one specimen is generally appropriate for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in a hospitalized patient with AIDS presenting with diarrhea. Examination of a second specimen may be appropriate if the first specimen is negative and there is a high clinical index of suspicion.
Blackman
E
E
Department of Pathology, Midway Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Binder
S
S
Gaultier
C
C
Benveniste
R
R
Cecilio
M
M
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D004396:Coloring Agents