Cryptosporidiosis in HIV patients: A case report for timely diagnosis and prompt intervention

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is one of the major causes of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. Infection is related to the ingestion of oocyst-contaminated drinking water or food. In HIV infected individuals, this infection could have a higher mortality and vary in clinical manifestation. We report a case of cryptosporidiosis in a recently detected HIV patient who was suffering from intermittent diarrhea for last 2 months. Stool samples were collected and examined by modified Kinyoun’s acid fast staining. On microscopy of smear, we found pink, spherical oocyst 4-6µm in diameter. The absolute CD4+ count of patients was 85 cells/µl and viral load was 560 copies/ml. Patient was treated with an antiparasitic drug Nitazoxanide for 3 days and anti-retroviral Treatment started in ART clinic. On follow up there was resolution of symptoms and no complaints of intermittent diarrhea.

Cryptosporidiosis in HIV-seronegative patients: A case series

“…12 At present, Nitazoxanide, a thiazolide antiprotozoal, is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment that reduces the load of parasites and is recommended as first line drug for Cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent individuals. 6,7 Therapy still remains a challenge for the immunocompromised.…”

“…5 Studies have shown that the median infectious dose is just 132 oocysts and infected cases can excrete up to 10 8 oocysts per day. 2,6 Enteric parasitic infestation is a major public health problem especially in the tropical regions of the developing countries. Cryptosporidium spp can cause severe diarrhea and malnutrition leading to fatal outcomes in the immunocompromised.…”