Updates on AIDS cryptosporidiosis: a review.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoal coccidian parasite that produces among other diseases chronic watery diarrhea. The extent of the diseases is mostly dependent on the immune status of the individual. Mortality in immunosuppressed and AIDS individuals due to the diarrhea illness is nearly 80%. Although no effective treatment is available yet, promising results have been related to the use of Spiramycin, Erythromycin, Somatostatin and its analogues, and zidovudine.