Cryptosporidiosis
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Synopsis

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.
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
A07.2 – Cryptosporidiosis
SNOMEDCT:
240370009 – Cryptosporidiosis
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Other causes of infectious diarrhea:
- Clostridioides difficile colitis – C difficile enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could be obtained.
- Bacterial diarrhea – Culture for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7. EIA for Shiga toxin.
- Giardia – Giardia EIA should be obtained.
- Cyclospora and Isospora species – Stool should be sent for special stains.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Celiac disease
- Drug-induced diarrhea
- 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.
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Last Updated:11/01/2022

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