Intestinal cryptosporidiasis in living related renal transplant recipients

Cryptosporidium infestations are common in immunocompromised AIDS patients. However, the literature in renal transplant recipients is scarce. We conducted a study to know the prevalence, disease manifestations, and management of cryptosporidial infestations in live related renal transplant recipients. Cryptosporidial infestations were observed in 20% of patients, including 16.6% who had symptomatic diarrhea. We conclude that the prevalence is high in the transplant population, but only a few patients are symptomatic. Clinicians should routinely request special stains to demonstrate cryptosporidium in stool specimens.