cryptosporidiosis, an opportunistic infection caused by the intestinal parasites Cryptosporidium parvum, a very common parasite in animals, and C. hominis. The disease was relatively unknown as a human pathogen before a 1993 epidemic in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area, where 400,000 persons were stricken with diarrhea after drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Other sources of infection include raw or undercooked foods contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts, direct contact with infected humans or animals, and contact with recreational water. Symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever may appear 2 to 10 days after infection. They may lead to dehydration and weight loss. The symptoms may last 1 or 2 weeks and may be life-threatening to persons with suppressed immune systems. Treatment emphasizes rest, replenishment of body fluids and electrolytes, and medications to control diarrhea. Paromomycin may be partially effective in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in persons with HIV infection. There is no known safe and effective cure for cryptosporidiosis. The drug nitzoxanide has been approved for the treatment of diarrhea caused by cryptosporidiosis, but it should be used only in patients with healthy immune systems. Fecal material from patients suffering from crytosporidiosis is infectious and should be handled accordingly. Care should be taken to avoid infection of immunocompromised patients by means of contact with symptomatic patients in a hospital environment.
