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Enteric cryptosporidiosis in pediatric HIV infection

A Guarino1, A Castaldo, S Russo

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidiosis is a severe issue in children with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, causing prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss. Recovery can occur without specific treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Enteric cryptosporidiosis is common in adults with HIV but poorly understood in children.
  • This study addresses the lack of data on cryptosporidiosis in HIV-infected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of cryptosporidiosis in HIV-infected children.
  • To describe the clinical features and outcomes of cryptosporidiosis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 35 symptomatic HIV-infected children for Cryptosporidium every 2 months and during diarrhea episodes.
  • Performance of intestinal function tests and fecal osmotic gap measurements in affected children.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidium was detected in 5 children with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Cryptosporidiosis episodes were prolonged, leading to dehydration and significant weight loss.
  • Diarrhea was secretory in nature; intestinal function remained unaffected. Recovery occurred spontaneously in 4 out of 5 cases.

Conclusions:

  • Enteric cryptosporidiosis poses a significant threat in advanced HIV infection among children.
  • The condition causes secretory diarrhea without intestinal malabsorption.
  • Spontaneous recovery from cryptosporidiosis is possible, irrespective of specific treatment.
Abstract

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