Isosporiasis | |
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Other names | cystoisosporiasis |
Oocyst in epithelial cyst of mammalian host | |
Specialty | Infectious disease, gastroenterology |
Symptoms | Sudden onset watery acute non-bloody diarrhea |
Risk factors | Immunosuppression |
Diagnostic method | Stool microscopy or PCR (both methods detect the oocysts) |
Prevention | Hand hygiene, avoid contaminated food and water |
Treatment | trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole |
Isosporiasis, also known as cystoisosporiasis, is a human intestinal disease caused by the parasite Cystoisospora belli (previously known as Isospora belli). It is found worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Infection often occurs in immuno-compromised individuals, notably AIDS patients, and outbreaks have been reported in institutionalized groups in the United States. The first documented case was in 1915. It is usually spread indirectly, normally through contaminated food or water (CDC.gov).[1]