Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, Isospora Flashcards
What is Cryptosporidium parvum?
A protozoan parasite.
What is cryptosporidium caused by?
Cryptosporidium parvum.
How is Cryptosporidium parvum spread?
Oocysts shed in faeces therefore faecal-oral route.
*low-grade contamination Eg) recreational water
Characteristics of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts?
Can survive for long periods in the environment.
Resists disinfection including chlorination.
What is Cryptosporidium parvum a cause of?
Mild self-limited Diarrhoea - immunocompetent
Persistent Diarrhoea - children in developing countries
Severe Diarrhoea - AIDS patients *50 stools a day
How to diagnose Cryptosporidium parvum?
See Oocysts in faeces.
How to avoid Cryptosporidium parvum?
Difficult to eliminate form water supplies due to resistence to disinfection.
AIDS sufferers to boil their water and avoid obvious sources of possible infection.
Treatment for Diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum?
No totally effective treatment.
Supportive therapy > fluid + electrolyte replacement.
Antiretrovirals in immunodeficiency.
Causative organism of Isospora?
Isospora bell
What does Isospora bell cause?
Severe/chronic Diarrhoea.
Which group of people does Isospora bell cause Diarrhoea in normally?
Immunocompromised.
How to diagnose Isospora bell?
See oocyts on faeces.
Auramine stains can be used.
Treatment for Isospora bell infection?
Co-trimoxazole.
What kind of organism is Isospora bell?
Similar to Cryptosporidium parvum. Parasitic protozoan.
What kind of organism is Microsporidium?
Related to fungi.
