Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is the commonest protozoal cause of diarrhoea in the UK. Two species, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum account for the majority cases.

Cryptosporidiosis is more common in immunocompromised patients (e.g. HIV) and young children.

Features

• watery diarrhoea
• abdominal cramps
• fever
• in immunocompromised patients the entire gastrointestinal tract may be affected resulting in complications such as sclerosing cholangitis and pancreatitis

Diagnosis

• stool: modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (acid-fast stain) of the stool may reveal the characteristic red cysts of Cryptosporidium

Management

• is largely supportive
• nitazoxanide is licensed in the US for immunocompetent patients