An infection caused by a protozoan parasite found in the intestines of animals. Acquired in some people by direct contact with the infected animal, it lodges in the intestines and causes severe diarrhea. It may be transmitted from person to person. This infection seems to be occurring more frequently in immunosuppressed people and can lead to prolonged symptoms that do not respond to medication.
Infection with the protozoa from the genus Cryptosporidium that is transmitted through exposure to contaminated food or may be sexually transmitted; typical symptoms are severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
An infection caused by the organism Cryptosporidium, which causes an opportunistic infection most often seen in immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS.
An infection caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. It is transmitted by eating or drinking food or water that is fecally contaminated. The symptoms generally begin within 2 to 14 days of exposure and last between 2 and 14 days. They often include profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and a moderate fever. The gallbladder may also be infected. Sometimes, the infection may not cause symptoms and improve on its own, but in people with weakened immune systems, cryptosporidiosis can be severe and even fatal.
A diarrheal disease caused by protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium and often transmitted to humans after exposure to water or food that has been contaminated with cysts found in animal waste. C. parvum is the most common species that infects humans. The typical infection in immunocompetent people is characterized by explosive, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping, occurring after an incubation period of between 4 and 14 days. Symptoms typically last a week or two but may continue for a month. In immunocompromised people, including cancer chemotherapy patients, those with organ transplants, and people with AIDS, chronic or fulminant infection may be found. Profuse diarrhea and dehydration or infection of the biliary tract occurs often. Treatment for people with normal immune function includes hydration and antidiarrheal drugs. Immunocompromised patients improve most when their immune status is restored. In a small percentage of people, asymptomatic carriage of the organism results in long-term shedding of the parasite in stool.
There exists a diarrheal infection caused by protozoa, characterized by its transmission from person to person or from domestic animals to humans. This illness leads to watery diarrhea, occasionally accompanied by fever and abdominal discomfort. While it primarily affects children, it can also occur in individuals with AIDS.
For the majority of cases, the primary course of treatment involves rehydration therapy, which is usually sufficient. However, individuals with a compromised immune system may experience a more severe form of the infection. In such instances, hospitalization may be necessary, where they can receive intravenous fluids and antidiarrheal medications as part of their treatment.