CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

Question 1

What kind of pathogen is Cryptosporidium?

Answer 1

microscopic parasite

Question 2

What is a strain of Cryptosporidium?

Answer 2

C. parvum

Question 3

How is C. parvum spread?

Answer 3

Contaminated water

Question 4

What is the pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium?

Answer 4

-Resistant to chlorination of water
-VERY FEW CYSTS NEEDED TO CAUSE INFECTION, consuming a few can cause disease
*VERY pathogenic

Question 5

Who is at high risk for Cryptosporidium infection?

Answer 5

-Those in institutional settings
-Travelers
-Hikers

Question 6

How does a Crytposporidium infection present?

Answer 6

Acute: large volume watery diarrhea, cramping, occasional fever

Self limiting unless immunocompromised

Question 7

How can cryptosporidium be diagnosed?

Answer 7

-Antigen testing
-spores/parasites special or acid fast stain (call lab)

Question 8

How can Cryptosporidium be treated?

Answer 8

-Treatment not usually indicated
-Symptomatic treatment

If Immunocompromised:
-Nitazoxanide