Cryptosporidiosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is cryptosporidiosis?
A
commonest protozoal cause of diarrhoea in the UK
2
Q
What cryptosporidium species account for most of the cases of cryptosporidiosis in the UK?
A
Cryptosporidium hominis
Cryptosporidium parvum
3
Q
Who is more likely to develop cryptosporidiosis?
A
Immunocompromised (HIV)
Young children
4
Q
Features of Cryptosporidiosis
A
- watery diarrhoea
- abdominal cramps
- fever
If immunocompromised:
- sclerosing cholangitis and pancreatitis
5
Q
Diagnostic investigation and finding
A
- stool sample
- modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (acid-fast stain)
- characteristic red cysts of Cryptosporidium
6
Q
Management
A
- supportive if not immunocompromised
In HIV - start antiretrovirals
Other agents:
- nitazoxanide
- rifaximin
7
Q
A
