Introduction
Cryptosporidiosis is commonly seen in patients with AIDS and other immunosuppressed conditions. It may also be seen in immunocompetent patients who might be asymptomatic or may present with acute or persistent diarrhea with abdominal pain and weight loss. It accounts for up to 6% of diarrhea in immunocompetent patients
(1). A few numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts can contaminate even treated drinking water as they are extremely resistant to chemical disinfection and filtration
(2). Cryptosporidium is an intracellular parasite that is transmitted by the ingestion of Cryptosporidium oocysts through contaminated water and food (2, 3).
Among many species including Cryptosporidium hominis, C. canis, C. suis, C. parvum is the most common species that can infect human cells (4). One Cryptosporidium
oocyst contains four sporozoites, each of which can infect intestinal epithelial cells. It is usually diagnosed with the detection of oocysts by modified acid-fast (MAF) staining of the organism on microscopical examination of the
stool.