ABSTRACT
In the early 1970s, it was found to be an important cause of diarrhea in calves. Prior to 1980 less than 30 publications were available, and now more than 1,500 published papers appear in the literature related to cryptosporidiosis, many of which include information on nosocomial transmission, daycare center outbreaks, and a number of waterborne outbreaks. Although animal-to-human transmission is well recognized, most recommendations concerning cryptosporidiosis are directly related to water consumption and include information regarding HIV status, water source, and water treatment. Since diarrheal illness is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children living in developing countries, it is likely that cryptosporidiosis plays a major role in the overall health status of these children. Data indicate that severely immunocompromised AIDS patients with refractory cryptosporidiosis may show a variable response to letrazuril with a high rate of relapse and rash as a major side effect.
