Description
A diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as "Crypto". Infection usually occurs by ingesting the parasite and results in diarrhea. It is the organism most commonly isolated in HIV positive patients presenting with diarrhea. It can be life-threatening in people with suppressed immune function.
Symptoms
Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of the parasite in the stool is determined either by special stains of the stool, direct fluorescent antibody [DFA] and/or enzyme immunoassays. Molecular methods (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are increasingly being used for identification as well.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool studies to identify the parasite
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of the parasite in the stool is determined either by special stains of the stool, direct fluorescent antibody [DFA] and/or enzyme immunoassays. Molecular methods (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are increasingly being used for identification as well.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool studies to identify the parasite
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Usually a self-limited disease that requires no specific therapy besides treating dehydration with fluids, correction of abnormal electrolytes (such as low potassium), and treating pain. Medicines to slow down the diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium) may be recommended but should be taken only if recommended by a doctor. Nitazoxanide has been FDA-approved for treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium in people with healthy immune systems and is available by prescription. However, the effectiveness of nitazoxanide in immunosuppressed individuals (i.e. HIV disease) is unclear. The immunocompromised patient may experience a chronic infection.