Cryptosporidium

Most immunocompetent patients only require supportive treatment (antidiarrheal agents, rehydration) since this infection usually causes self-limited diarrhea. Infections in an immunocompromised individual should be discussed with an Infectious Diseases specialist.

For immunocompetent patients (make sure to rule out HIV) with severe acute symptoms or persistent diarrhea (>2 weeks), treatment may be considered. However, this requires a special access medication (nitazoxanide) and should thus be discussed with an Infectious Diseases specialist.