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- This disease is caused by the spore-forming protozoan, Cryptosporidium parvum (in lay terms, it is an intestinal parasite). It is a very contagious infection and has an incubation period of 5-21 days. Patients with AIDS may get a severe
infection that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal
tract.
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- Normal immune system -- mild to severe Diarrhea, abdominal Bloating, abdominal
cramps, flatulence (gas), low-grade fever, lack of energy,
vomiting and muscle aches. Symptoms usually resolve in 2
days to many weeks. Weight loss may occur. (Note: many
patients will have infections without any symptoms at all,
which means it does not affect them, but they can spread it
to others).
- Immune compromised (e.g., AIDS) -- may have severe watery Diarrhea and severe weight loss along with the abdominal Bloating, cramps and
flatulence. Symptoms of pancreatitis (epigastric pain), gall
bladder disease (right upper abdomen pain, yellow skin or
eyes), and an enlarged liver or spleen may occur. The
respiratory tract may also be
affected.
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- Acid-fast staining
- Fluorescent microscopy with
auramine staining or monoclonal antibody use
- ELISA testing in stool
- AIDS patients -- sputum and/or bronchoalvelar lavage (a lung test) should be performed in a person with Diarrhea and unclear
diagnosis
- Basic blood work should be checked for as needed for electrolyte abnormalities, liver involvement, or pancreatitis (amylase, Lipase)
- Malabsorption may develop and B12
deficiency, carbohydrate and/or fat malabsorption may occur
(appropriate testing can be done if
suspected)
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- Travel (it is a cause of traveler's Diarrhea)
- Hospitals/Health care facilities
- Day care centers
- AIDS
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- Fluid and electrolyte replacements
as needed
- No medical treatment regimen is
totally successful. Roxithromycin, Spiramycin, Paromomycin,
AZT (zidovudirine), and Azithromycin (plus others) have had
isolated success.
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- Water filtration systems
(chlorination of water does not work)
- For travelers -- boil drinking
water for 1 minute or use a filter that removes particles
over 1 micrometer.
- Avoid swimming in fresh
water.
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