Synonym(s)
Isosporidiosis
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Virchow, 1860; Woodcock, 1915
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Atypical diarrhoea caused by a protozoan infection (especially Isospora belli). The chronic isosporidiosis with diarrhea of more than 4 weeks is AIDS-defining.
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PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
Isospora belli (see protozoa below); ubiquitously occurring intestinal parasite. Globally occurring protozoon that can cause mild diarrhoea in immunocompetent individuals and severe clinical symptoms in HIV-infected individuals. Rare in Europe, a major problem in developing countries (especially in the tropics and subtropics).
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Occurrence in 0.2% of HIV infected persons.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Similar to cryptosporidiosis, the germ occasionally leads to epidemic-like outbreaks in immunocompetent individuals. Mild enteritis-like symptoms, occasionally also very strong, watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps and nausea. Often eosinophilia. In immunodeficient patients, chronic diarrhoea and finally malnutrition may occur. A chronic isosporiasis with diarrhoea of more than four weeks is AIDS-defining.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
The detection of the relatively large oocysts is possible in normal stool tests for parasites, but also in acid-proof staining.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Cotrimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim): 2 times/day 2 tbl (80 mg TMP + 400 mg SM) p.o. over 1 week. Alternatively: Ciprofloxacin 2 times/day 500 mg p.o.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Sample material: Stool sample (walnut-sized) in SAF medium or stool transport tubes.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Goodgame RW (1996) Understanding intestinal spore-forming protozoa: cryptosporidia, microsporidia, isospora, and cyclospora. Ann Internal Med124: 429-431
- Verdier RI (2000) Trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole compared with ciprofloxacin for treatment and prophylaxis of Isospora belli and Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in HIV-infected patients. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 132: 885-888
- Woodcock HM (1915) Notes on the protozoan parasites in the excreta. Br Med J ii:704
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Outgoing links (6)
Aids; Ciprofloxacin; Cotrimoxazole; Eosinophilia and skin; Hiv infection; Protozoa;Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
