Diarrhea Cryptosporidium

DIAGNOSIS

• Cryptosporidium causes chronic watery diarrhea with malabsorption in HIV-infected patients.

• Diagnosis is based on the visualization of the parasite in an acid-fast stain or direct immunofluorescence of stool.

TREATMENT

• No effective specific therapy has been developed as ART is essential.

• Nitazoxanide, 500 mg PO bid, may be effective.