Cryptosporidia in immunocompetent patients with gastroenteritis
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 1, 1987
Abstract:
In a prospective study Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in nine immunocompetent patients (0.6%). The frequency was remarkably higher in children in the 0 to 14 year age group (1.6%), surpassed only by Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. The predominant clinical features were watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Comparison of the epidemiological data of the patients with those of a control group showed that contact persons with enteritis and drinking of unpasteurized milk were significantly associated with cryptosporidiosis.
Insights
Cryptosporidium, a cause of diarrhea, was found in 0.6% of immunocompetent patients, especially children. Drinking unpasteurized milk and contact with sick individuals were linked to infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium species are significant enteric pathogens.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Cryptosporidium species in immunocompetent patients.
- To identify clinical features and epidemiological associations of cryptosporidiosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Detection of Cryptosporidium species in patient samples.
- Comparison of epidemiological data with a control group.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium species were detected in 0.6% of immunocompetent patients.
- Higher frequency observed in children aged 0-14 years (1.6%).
- Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting were predominant symptoms.
- Significant associations found with contact with enteritis patients and unpasteurized milk consumption.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is an important cause of gastroenteritis in immunocompetent individuals, particularly children.
- Public health interventions should focus on safe milk practices and preventing transmission from infected contacts.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:27Diversity of Protists II
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:28Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
01:12Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...