Issue 3/2026
Dragomirova, P.
Department of Anatomy, Histology, Cytology and Biology, Section of Biology,
Medical University – Pleven
Species of the genus Cryptosporidium are a common cause of acute and chronic diarrheal diseases, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Various methods are available for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis; however, conventional microscopic techniques often have limited diagnostic value. This review article discusses the role of molecular biological methods – polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis – in the detection and species differentiation of Cryptosporidium spp., with an emphasis on their clinical relevance for general practitioners.
Key words: Cryptosporidium spp., PCR, RFLP, cryptosporidiosis, molecular diagnosis
Adress for correspondence:
Petya Dragomirova
Department of Anatomy, Histology,
Cytology and Biology, Section of Biology
1, “Kliment Ohridski”, Str.
5800, Pleven
e-mail: pepaalex@gmail.com
e-mail: Petia.Dragomirova@mu-pleven.bg