C. Caputo et al., Determinants of antibodies to Cryptosporidium infection among gay and bisexual men with HIV infection, EPIDEM INFE, 122(2), 1999, pp. 291-297
A cross-sectional serosurvey for markers of prior Cyptosporidium infection
was conducted among homosexual or bisexual males infected with human immuno
deficiency virus (HIV); of 262 individuals approached, 236 (90 %) agreed to
participate. Serological response to two Cryptosporidium antigens was meas
ured using a Western blot assay. The intensity or detection of serological
responses to two Cryptosporidium antigens was not associated with CD4 cell
counts or tap water consumption. A number of sexual practices were related
to increased serological response for only the 27-kDa marker, including hav
ing had sex within the past 2 years, having anal sex and having had a large
r number of sex partners during the past 2 years. Attending a spa or sauna
was related to serological response to both the 27-kDa and 17-kDa markers.
Based on these results, activities related to sexual activity appear to be
a significant risk factors for prior Cryptosporidium infection.