Cryptosporidiosis

Microphotograph of cryptosporidiosis. HE staining .

Path of infection and life cycle of Cryptosporidium spp.

When Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease by the Apicomplexa belonging cryptosporidium . This otherwise rare disease occurs more frequently in people with cellular immunodeficiency (e.g. AIDS ).

It is transmitted as an oral infection through ingestion of infected food or infected drinking water. Infection via infected pets and farm animals as well as from person to person is possible.

Those affected suffer from watery diarrhea combined with abdominal pain and a slight fever . In otherwise healthy people, the disease heals without consequences after about a week, and lifelong immunity develops. However, longer and complicated courses can occur in infants and immunocompromised. A causal therapy is currently not available. In the case of HIV-infected people, in addition to symptomatic treatment, optimization of the immune status through antiretroviral therapy is a priority.

See also

• Cryptosporidiosis in the cat

Web links

• Cryptosporidiosis - Information from the Robert Koch Institute

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !