cryptosporidiosis

Question 1

distribution

Answer 1

worldwide and especially important in HIV/AIDS patients

Question 2

reservoir

Answer 2

mammals, reptile, fish and birds

Question 3

transmission

Answer 3

oocyst ingested via faecally contaminated water/food and person to person

Question 4

species

Answer 4

8 infect humans but hominis and parvum account for majority

Question 5

life cycle

Answer 5

oocyst ingested
exits host and contaminates food and water
auto infection can occur
only 30 oocysts needed for infection
excystation occurs at body temp
20% of thin walled oocysts are responsible for auto infection cycle
resistant to chlorination but sensitive to ozonation

Question 6

diagnosis

Answer 6

microscopy
direct fluorescent antibody assay
giardia/crypto RDT
pcr to identify species

Question 7

treatment

Answer 7

membrane makes drug access problematic
nitrazoxanide currently recommended drug

in HIV/AIDS patients - HAART shown to be successful in restoring immune function