Acute Diarrhoea in the Immunosuppressed/HIV-Positive Patient: Specific Pathogens to Consider
| Cause | Clinical features | Diagnosis/treatment |
|---|---|---|
Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium species) | Subacute onset Associated abdominal pain Severe diarrhoea | Identification of oocysts in stool Seek expert advice on treatment |
Isosporiasis (Isospora belli) | Incubation period: one week Associated fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea with fatty | Identification of oocysts in stool, duodenal aspirate or jejunal biopsy Seek expert advice on treatment |
| Cytomegalovirus | Diarrhoea may be accompanied by systemic illness and hepatitis | Serological tests for cytomegalovirus Seek expert advice on treatment |