Cryptosporidium infections in AIDS

Investigations for cryptosporidia were carried out on 250 fecal samples from 131 HIV-positive patients between December 1985 and July 1986 with kinyoun carbolfuchsin staining. Cryptosporidial oocysts could be detected in six homosexual men. All of the cryptosporidia excretors had symptoms of enteritis. The clinical course and the prognosis depended on the immunological resistance of the host. Five patients with pronounced immune defect had therapy-resistant chronic diarrhea. In one patient with a slight immune defect, the cryptosporidial infection cured spontaneously. A spacial separation of cryptosporidia excretors and patients with weakened resistance is to be considered in view of the possible severe progress form with low tendency to cure and the still lacking specific chemotherapy.