Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Important Endpoints and Proliferative Markers to Assess Small Intestinal Injury and Adaptation using a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
Published on: May 12, 2019
Intestinal function and injury in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related cryptosporidiosis
R W Goodgame1, K Kimball, C N Ou
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Background/Aims:
The pathogenesis of the diarrhea in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cryptosporidiosis is not known. The hypothesis of this study was that the intestinal dysfunction and injury are related to the number of organisms infecting the intestinal mucosa. The aim of this study was to study the influence of intensity of infection on intestinal function and injury in AIDS-related cryptosporidiosis.
Methods:
In 16 patients with AIDS with intestinal Cryptosporidium infection, the intensity of infection was quantified by counting the total number of fecal oocysts excreted in 24 hours and by determining the percent of duodenal epithelium covered by organisms. Intestinal function was assessed by vitamin B12 absorption and serum D-xylose test. Intestinal injury was assessed by morphology of duodenal mucosa, differential urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol, and fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance. Measurements were repeated after treatment with paromomycin.
Results:
Vitamin B12 and D-xylose absorption negatively correlated with intensity of infection. Villus atrophy occurred only in patients with oocyst excretion of > 10(8) oocyst/24 hours. Lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion ratio showed a positive correlation with intensity of infection. Intestinal function and injury improved in patients whose oocyst counts were reduced by treatment with paromomycin.
Conclusions:
Cryptosporidium infection in patients with AIDS causes malabsorption and intestinal injury in proportion to the number of organisms infecting the intestine.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Giardiasis
Amebiasis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

