CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS - ARE EMERGING, HIGHLY INFECTIOUS THREAT

Cryptosporidium parvum, a leading cause of persistent diarrhea in deve loping countries, is a major threat to the U.S. water supply. Able to infect with as few as 30 microscopic oocysts, Cryptosporidium is found in untreated surface water, as well as in swimming and wade pools, da y-care centers, and hospitals. The organism can cause illnesses lastin g longer than 1 to 2 weeks in previously healthy persons or indefinite ly in immunocompromised patients; furthermore, in young children in de veloping countries, cryptosporidiosis predisposes to substantially inc reased diarrheal illnesses. Recent increased awareness of the threat o f cryptosporidiosis should improve detection in patients with diarrhea . New methods such as those using polymerase chain reaction may help w ith detection of Cryptosporidium in water supplies or in asymptomatic carriers. Although treatment is very limited, new approaches that may reduce secretion or enhance repair of the damaged intestinal mucosa ar e under study.