HHS Panel Updates Cryptosporidiosis Guidelines

The HHS panel on the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents with HIV has updated the Cryptosporidiosis section to reflect the availability of new diagnostic tests and data on the efficacy of available therapeutic agents, with information that includes:

• The incidence of cryptosporidiosis in the United States is now <1 case per 1,000 person-years; however, outbreaks due to contamination of recreational water continue to be a public health issue and individuals with HIV continue to have an increased risk of disease.
• Multiplex molecular tests can identify a greater number of cases than microscopic methods.
• Nitazoxanide, paromomycin, and spiramycin have some efficacy in patients with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy, but are not as effective in patients with severe immunosuppression; especially those not on ART.