Cryptosporidium

Summary

Cryptosporidium is a parasite transmitted through the fecal-oral route, via ingestion of parasite eggs or oocysts in contaminated water sources. Most healthy people are unaffected, but the parasite may end up causing disease in  immunocompromised patients. The most common finding of an infection by Cryptosporidium is profuse watery diarrhea. Diagnosis of a Cryptosporidium infection is done through a stool microscopy test, which can reveal acid-fast oocysts inside the stool.  Finally, the first line treatment for a cryptosporidium infection is nitazoxanide.

Key Points

• Cryptosporidium spp.
  • Characteristics
    • Intracellular protozoan parasite
    • Transmission
      • Fecal-oral
        • Ingestion of oocysts in contaminated water
      • Affects immunocompromised patients
    • Presentation: Cryptosporidiosis
      • Watery diarrhea
    • Diagnosis
      • Stool microscopy (O&P)
        • Oocysts may be seen with acid-fast stains
    • Treatment
      • Nitazoxanide