Sensitivity and Specificity of Dot Blot Method for Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium Infection

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 MSc Student, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 PhD Student, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 PhD Student, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Instructor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

5 Associate Professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Professor, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is based on the use of the routine microscopic methods, but these methods possess poor sensitivity and also need an expert technician. The aim of the present study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of dot blot method for diagnosis of bovine cryptosporidiosis.Methods: In this study 131 fecal samples were collected from suckling calves during summer 2014. The collected samples were concentrated using formalin ether method. The samples were then examined by modified-Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) and finally all samples were examined by dot blot methods.Findings: Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 40 (30.5%) out of 131 fecal samples using mZN staining method but 49 (37.4%) of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium antigen using dot blot method. No significant differences were observed among the results of the two methods and the sensitivity and specificity of dot blot calculated as 87 % and 86%, respectively.Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, dot blot method showed rather equal performance as modified-Ziehl-Neelsen method.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 34, Issue 384 - Serial Number 384
March and April 2016
Pages 589-593

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 November 2015
  • Revise Date: 02 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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