Cryptosporidium

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Cryptosporidium

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A 55-year-old man comes to urgent care for evaluation of chronic diarrhea. He has been having 5-10 episodes of watery diarrhea daily for the past 3 weeks. The patient returned from vacation in Eastern Europe last month. Medical history is notable for HIV and the patient has not been using antiretroviral therapy. Vitals are within normal limits. Physical examination reveals dry mucous membranes and oral thrush. Rectal examination is unremarkable. Microscopic examination of a stool sample after acid-fast staining is shown below. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s diarrhea?
 
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External References

First Aid

2024

2023

2022

2021

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

Cryptosporidium p. , 152

Cryptosporidium spp. p. 152

HIV-positive adults p. 174

hyper-IgM syndrome and p. 115

watery diarrhea p. 176

Diarrhea

Cryptosporidium p. , 152

Immunocompromised patients

Cryptosporidium p. , 152

Summary

Cryptosporidium is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhea and vomiting in humans. The disease is often spread through the feco-oral route, usually by drinking contaminated water or eating food that has been in contact with infected water.

Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea amongst travelers and can be particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually resolve within a week or two but can occasionally be fatal.