Cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

• Intestinal cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in three infants (aged 6 to 21 months), one child (aged 3 years), and two adult members of two families after their return from travel to the African continent. Examination of stools from all patients revealed acid-fast cryptosporidial oocysts on direct fecal smears stained by the modified cold Kinyoun technique. Five of the six were symptomatic with watery diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Elevated anticryptosporidial titers were detected in five patients, two of whom were asymptomatic. Cryptosporidiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of traveler's diarrhea. (Arch Intern Med1985;145:70-72)