Overview
Cryptosporidiosis describes an intestinal infection with Cryptosporidium species causing diarrhoea, particularly Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum. It is the most common protozoal cause of diarrhoea in the UK and is more common in people who are immunocompromised and young children.
Cryptosporidium species are spread via the faecal-oral route.
Presentation
Overview
Features emerge around 7 days after oocyte ingestion and include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbance – watery diarrhoea, cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Systemic features – fever, malaise, fatigue, anorexia
- Complications in immunocompromised people including disseminated disease, hepatitis, and pancreatitis.
Investigations
Overview
- Modified acid-fast (Ziehl-Neelsen) stain on stool sample – identifies red cysts associated with Cryptosporidium
Management
Overview
Management is supportive in immunocompetent people as it tends to be self-limiting.
In people with HIV, antiretroviral therapy may be enough to resolve the infection. In immunocompromised people, rifaximin may be used.
