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Appendices

The following text is from an archived Red Book® edition and may not reflect current recommendations or information. To view the current edition, click here.

Section 3. Summaries of Infectious Diseases

Cryptosporidiosis

Clinical Manifestations
Etiology
Epidemiology
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
Isolation of the Hospitalized Patient
Control Measures

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CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Frequent, nonbloody, watery diarrhea is the most common manifestation of cryptosporidiosis, although infection can be asymptomatic. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, fatigue, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Fever and vomiting are relatively common among children and often lead to a misdiagnosis of viral gastroenteritis. In infected immunocompetent people, including children, the diarrheal illness is self-limited, usually lasting 1 to 20 days (mean, 10 days). In immunocompromised people, especially people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, chronic severe diarrhea can develop, resulting in malnutrition, dehydration, and death. Pulmonary, biliary tract, or disseminated infection can occur in immunocompromised people, although infection usually is limited to the gastrointestinal tract.


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ETIOLOGY: Cryptosporidium parvum is a spore-forming coccidian protozoan. Oocysts are excreted in feces and are the infectious form.


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EPIDEMIOLOGY: Cryptosporidium parvum has been found in a variety of hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Extensive waterborne outbreaks have been associated with contamination of municipal water and exposure to contaminated swimming pools. In children, the incidence of cryptosporidiosis is greatest during summer and early fall, corresponding to the outdoor swimming season. Transmission to humans can occur from farm livestock, particularly young animals including those found in petting zoos, or pets. Person-to-person . . . [Go to Full Text]









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