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Cryptosporidium

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Cryptosporidium

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High Yield Notes
6 pages
Flashcards

Cryptosporidium

8 flashcards
Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

1 questions
Preview

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
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.