Imported cryptosporidiosis--report of a case in Japan and review of the literature

Abstract

A 24-year-old Japanese male who had traveled to India was referred to our institute because of severe prolonged watery diarrhea. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were detected in his stool specimens by the phase-contrast microscopy and modified acid-fast stain. Stool examinations were negative for other intestinal protozoa. Bacterial cultures were also negative for pathogenic agents. He was treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Co-trimoxazole) for 6 days and he soon recovered. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases concerning imported cryptosporidiosis in Japan. Physicians should regard this organism as one of the causative agents of travelers' diarrhea when other pathogens are negative, since this organism is easily overlooked in routine stool examinations.