Fatal cryptosporidiosis complicating Kaposi's sarcoma in an immunocompromised man

Fatal cryptosporidiosis in a bisexual immunosuppressed man with disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma and intractable diarrhea is described. Cryptosporidium sp. was isolated from the stool antemortem by Sheather's floation technique. This parasite should be considered in immunosuppressed hosts with chronic diarrhea when routine methods fail to demonstrate etiologic agent. Since this organism is already infectious when passed, stool precautions should be maintained.