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Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
Published on: September 14, 2019
Acute, Severe Cryptosporidiosis in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient
Caitlin Tallant1, Patrick Huddleston1, Asim Alshanberi2
1School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Amarillo, TX, USA.
Insights
Severe diarrhea in children can be caused by cryptosporidium. Early stool testing for this parasite, especially with livestock contact, aids prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Severe diarrheal illness in children often requires microbiological testing for accurate diagnosis.
- Delayed diagnosis can impede timely and effective treatment.
- Cryptosporidium is a known cause of pediatric diarrhea, with potential zoonotic transmission from cattle.
Observation:
- A case of acute cryptosporidiosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient is presented.
- The patient experienced multiple days of severe diarrhea.
Findings:
- Cryptosporidium infection was diagnosed in the pediatric patient.
- The study highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission from bovine species.
Implications:
- Consider diagnostic tests for cryptosporidium, such as Ziehl-Neelsen staining or rapid antigen detection, in children with severe undifferentiated diarrhea.
- This is particularly important for children with close contact with livestock.
- Early identification can prevent diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Severe diarrheal illness in children can be attributed to a number of different microbiological agents. Without appropriate microbiological testing of stool samples, patients who present with multiple days of severe diarrhea might have a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a case of an immunocompetent pediatric patient presenting with acute cryptosporidiosis. Humans and bovine species are known hosts of cryptosporidium and several studies have evaluated the zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidium from cattle to humans. Adding diagnostic tests for cryptosporidium like Ziehl-Neelsen staining of stool or fecal rapid antigen detection techniques should be considered in the workup of patients presenting with undifferentiated, severe diarrheal illness, especially in those who have close contact with livestock.
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