Preventing cryptosporidiosis

A guide for persons with compromised immune systems

August 2005     View PDF
Reprinted from www.cdc.gov, US

What is the treatment for crypto?

People who are in poor health or who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk for more severe and more prolonged illness. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Rapid loss of fluids because of diarrhea can be life-threatening in babies; parents should consult their health care provider about fluid replacement therapy options for babies. Anti-diarrheal medicine may help slow down diarrhea, but consult with your health care provider before taking it.

A new drug, nitazoxanide, has been FDA approved for treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium in people with healthy immune systems. However, the effectiveness of nitazoxanide in immunosuppressed individuals is unclear. Some drugs, such as paromomycin, may reduce the symptoms of Crypto and new drugs are being tested. However, Crypto is usually not cured and may come back if the immune status worsens. For persons with AIDS, anti-retroviral therapy that improves immune status will also decrease or eliminate symptoms of Crypto infection. See your health care provider to discuss treatment and anti-retroviral therapy used to improve immune status.