What causes coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is caused by microscopic parasites called coccidia, including Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Cryptosporidium species. You get infected by swallowing the parasites through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals or people. These parasites invade the cells lining your intestines, multiply rapidly, and cause inflammation and damage that leads to watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

What is the best test for coccidiosis?

The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for coccidiosis because it uses specialized concentration and permanent smear techniques specifically designed to detect coccidia parasites. These microscopic organisms are incredibly small and can easily be missed in routine stool exams, but this comprehensive test enhances detection by concentrating the sample and using permanent staining methods. The test examines your stool under high-powered microscopy to identify the distinctive oval-shaped oocysts of coccidia parasites, providing definitive diagnosis of this intestinal infection.

When should I get tested for coccidiosis?

You should get tested if you have persistent watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, especially after traveling to tropical areas or drinking untreated water. Testing is also important if you experience abdominal cramping, nausea, fatigue, or weight loss alongside diarrhea, or if you work with animals or have weakened immunity from HIV, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressive medications. Early testing helps start proper treatment and prevents dehydration and prolonged illness.

What are the symptoms of coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis causes watery diarrhea that can be explosive and frequent, often occurring 7 to 10 days after infection. You might experience abdominal cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and fatigue that makes daily activities difficult. Some people also notice bloating, gas, weight loss from persistent symptoms, and dehydration from fluid loss. In people with weakened immune systems, symptoms can be more severe and last for weeks or even months without proper treatment.

Who is at risk for coccidiosis?

People with weakened immune systems from HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, or organ transplant medications are at highest risk for severe coccidiosis. You are also at increased risk if you travel to tropical or subtropical regions with poor sanitation, drink untreated water from lakes or streams, work with animals on farms, or attend daycare centers where the infection can spread easily. Children under age 5 and healthcare workers caring for infected patients also face higher exposure risk.

What happens if coccidiosis is left untreated?

Untreated coccidiosis can lead to severe dehydration from persistent diarrhea, causing dizziness, confusion, and kidney problems. You might experience significant weight loss and malnutrition as the parasites damage your intestinal lining and prevent proper nutrient absorption. In people with weakened immune systems, the infection can become chronic and life-threatening, spreading beyond the intestines to the bile ducts and gallbladder. Prolonged infection also increases your risk of developing chronic digestive problems even after the parasites are eventually cleared.

Can coccidiosis be diagnosed with a stool test?

Yes, coccidiosis is diagnosed with a specialized stool test that looks for coccidia parasites under microscopy. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen test uses concentration techniques to gather parasites from your stool sample and permanent staining to make them visible. Multiple stool samples collected on different days may be needed because parasites are not shed consistently in every bowel movement. This testing method is highly accurate when performed by experienced laboratory technicians using proper concentration and staining procedures.

How is coccidiosis treated?

Coccidiosis is treated with antiparasitic medications like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for Isospora infections or nitazoxanide for Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora species. Your doctor will prescribe the specific medication based on which coccidia parasite is identified in your stool test. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days, though people with weakened immune systems may need longer courses or maintenance therapy. Staying well-hydrated and replacing lost electrolytes is also critical during treatment to prevent complications from dehydration.

How can I prevent coccidiosis?

You can prevent coccidiosis by drinking only treated or bottled water, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling animals, or before preparing food. Avoid swallowing water when swimming in lakes, rivers, or pools, and wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. If you work with animals, wear gloves and practice good hygiene, and if you have a weakened immune system, take extra precautions and discuss preventive medications with your doctor.

What can I do at home for coccidiosis?

At home, focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions that replace lost electrolytes. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce while avoiding dairy, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol that can worsen diarrhea. Rest as much as possible to help your body fight the infection, and keep track of your symptoms to report to your healthcare provider. Probiotics may help restore healthy gut bacteria after treatment, but always complete your prescribed antiparasitic medication course even if symptoms improve.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Coccidiosis Stool Test | Private MD Labs

Coccidiosis Stool Test

What is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. It is caused by microscopic parasites called coccidia, specifically Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, or Cryptosporidium species. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosis because it uses specialized concentration and permanent smear techniques to detect these parasites.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com