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Cryptosporidium enteritis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Cryptosporidium, organism
Cryptosporidium, organism
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Alternative Names    Return to top

Cryptosporidiosis

Definition    Return to top

Cryptosporidium enteritis is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. The main symptom is diarrhea.

Causes    Return to top

Cryptosporidium has recently been recognized as a worldwide cause of diarrhea in all age groups. Its major impact has been among those with weakened immune systems, including:

In these groups, this diarrheal infection is not just bothersome. It also can lead to severe, and potentially life-threatening, loss of muscle and body mass (wasting) and malnutrition.

The major risk factor is swallowing water contaminated with fecal matter. Those at higher risk include:

Outbreaks have been linked to:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

There is no one treatment for cryptosporidium enteritis.

Drugs such as nitazoxanide have been used in children and adults. Other drugs that are sometimes used include:

However, these drugs usually only help for a little while.

Right now, the best approach is to improve the immune status in people who have a weakened immune system. This can be done, for example, by using highly active antiviral therapy in people with AIDS.

AIDS specialists and patient activists may provide additional information on the latest treatments, and on medications and alternative treatments that may provide some relief.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

In healthy people, the infection will clear up but can last up to a month. In people who are immunosuppressed, prolonged diarrhea may cause loss of body weight and malnutrition.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Notify your health care provider if you develop watery diarrhea that does not go away within a few days, especially if you are immunosuppressed.

Prevention    Return to top

Proper sanitation and hygiene, including handwashing, are important measures in the prevention of this illness.

Certain water filters can also reduce risk by filtering out the eggs of the cryptosporidium organism. However, the pores of the filter must be smaller than 1 micron to be effective. If you are immunosuppressed, ask your doctor if you need to boil your water.

References    Return to top

Montes M, DuPont HL. Enteritis, Enterocolitis and Infectious Diarrhea Syndromes. In: Cohen J, Powderly WG, Berkley SF, et al, eds. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 43.

Kirkpatrick BD, Sears CL. Cryptosporidiosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 371.

Update Date: 5/19/2008

Updated by: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, WA; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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