From Wisconsin to Nepal: Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and microsporidia

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important cause of diarrhea in children and patients infected with HIV. More sensitive diagnostic techniques are allowing us to expand our knowledge about its epidemiology, and intense research is finally leading to therapeutic options with paromomycin and azithromycin. The epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis is being unraveled. Microsporidia species are becoming recognized as an important cause of diarrhea in HIV-infected patients. They can now be diagnosed by examination of stool samples, and albendazole is emerging as a therapeutic agent.