Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of persistent diarrhoea in developing countries due to the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in the gastrointestinal tract. This parasite is recognised as a highly infectious enteric pathogen and infective stage is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, weight loss, nausea and sometimes fever.

Giardiasis is a diarrhoeal illness caused by Giardia lamblia, a one-celled macroscopic parasite that lives in the intestine of humans and animals. Giardia lamblia trophozoïtes live in the small intestine of the host. It is the most frequent cause of non-bacterial diarrhoea in humans in the United States. Many cases of “traveller's diarrhoea” are caused by Giardia. Symptoms include diarrhoea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, weight loss and dehydration. Giardia can be very contagious and is spread from person to person via the fecal-oral route. Giardia can be found in food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals.

25 tests