Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan that can cause gastrointestinal diseases, especially in susceptible people like children, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems. Similar to choleric infection, the illness presents with diarrhea and stomach pain. In the immunocompromised hosts, the parasite causes prolonged infections that can also be fatal. Cryptosporidiosis is therefore regarded as one of the most dangerous opportunistic illnesses for those suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Establishing sensitive and targeted diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction is the most effective method of controlling the infection in these patients. The general features of Cryptosporidium infection were outlined here, with an emphasis on the diagnostic instruments that are currently available for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. The development of new diagnostics for cryptosporidiosis and the molecular techniques currently available for its detection are also covered.