Introduction
Cryptosporidiosis is commonly seen in patients with
AIDS and other immunosuppressed conditions. It may
also be seen in immunocompetent patients who might be
asymptomatic or may present with acute or persistent
diarrhea with abdominal pain and weight loss. It accounts
for up to 6% of diarrhea in immunocompetent patients
(1). A few numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts
can contaminate even treated drinking water as they are
extremely resistant to chemical disinfection and filtration
(2). Cryptosporidium is an intracellular parasite
that is transmitted by the ingestion of Cryptosporidium
oocysts through contaminated water and food (2, 3).
Among many species including Cryptosporidium hominis,
C. canis, C. suis, C. parvum is the most common species
that can infect human cells (4). One Cryptosporidium
oocyst contains four sporozoites, each of which can infect
intestinal epithelial cells. It is usually diagnosed with the
detection of oocysts by modified acid-fast (MAF) staining
of the organism on microscopical examination of the
stool.
Case