Evaluation of two simple tests for detection of cryptosporidium in calves

In order to compare the methods of Cryptosporidium infected fecal sample preparation، including direct smear and formol-ether concentration method، we prepared two direct smear and one formol-ether smear from each fecal sample. Out of 53 specimens (infected cows from different animal husbandry of Semnan) in formol-ether smear، 42 samples were positive. But in specimens in direct smear at least 36 were positive. In performing two direct smears، 46 samples were positive. Sensitivity in direct smear was estimated 88. 3% and in formol-ether was 82. 8%. It seems to be logical that it''s better to provide two direct smear from different parts of the feces in epidemiological studies.