[Human cryptosporidiosis: a propos of 4 cases]

Cryptosporidiae are ubiquitous protozoan belonging to the coccidiae family which parasite many wild and domestic animals bowels. Man gets infested by ingestion oocysts. The parasite complete cycle takes place on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells microvillosities. Human cases that we described occurred among patients presenting (or not) with acquired or congenital immunity depression. Diarrhea is the main symptom. Diagnosis is based on parasitological stool examination and pathological study of intestinal biopsies. At the present time no specific treatment is known and only the immunity deficit correction can possibly cure cryptosporidiosis.