Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (2)

Cryptosporidiosis
Print
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Cryptosporidiosis

Print Patient Handout Images (2)
Contributors: Neil Mendoza MD, Nana Aburjania MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Alerts and Notices

Synopsis

Cryptosporidiosis (Mild) : Diarrhea, Fever, Nausea, Malaise, Anorexia, Cramping abdominal pain
Mild
Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of the infective oocysts of Cryptosporidium species.

Transmission is primary by the fecal-oral route. Cryptosporidiosis is more common in conditions of crowding and poor sanitation, and infection is a major cause of diarrhea in children in developing countries. In developing countries, many adults may asymptomatically excrete oocysts, and oocysts can frequently be found on vegetables and can contaminate the water supply. In the United States, outbreaks have been associated with contaminated drinking water, contaminated recreational water (including lakes and public pools), and contaminated food.

The incubation period is usually 7-10 days (range 1-30 days).

Clinically, symptoms for cryptosporidiosis can vary widely. In immunocompetent hosts, diarrhea is usually self-limited (lasting 1-2 weeks). The diarrhea may be mild, or it may be voluminous and watery.

In immunocompromised hosts, including patients with AIDS, infection can cause devastating illness. The diarrhea can be severe and prolonged (lasting months), leading to dehydration. In this case, the illness could be life threatening, and some patients may require parenteral nutrition.

Elderly patients typically have more severe disease.

In addition to watery diarrhea, patients may also complain of nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramping. In immunocompromised patients, infection can also involve the biliary or respiratory tract.

Codes

ICD10CM:
A07.2 – Cryptosporidiosis

SNOMEDCT:
240370009 – Cryptosporidiosis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Other causes of infectious diarrhea:
Noninfectious diarrhea:
In immunocompromised patients:
  • Microsporidia – Stain for microsporidia should be obtained.
  • Mycobacterial species including the Mycobacterium avium complex – Acid fast stain and culture for mycobacteria should be obtained.
  • Cytomegalovirus and other viruses – Can cause colitis, diagnosis is usually made by biopsy.

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:11/01/2022
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Cryptosporidiosis
Print   View all Images (2)
(with subscription)
A medical illustration showing key findings of Cryptosporidiosis (Mild) : Diarrhea, Fever, Nausea, Malaise, Anorexia, Cramping abdominal pain

+1 More images of Cryptosporidiosis with subscription

Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.