Volume 6, Number 42;  October 23, 2006 - Cryptosporidiosis

Patient:

Session Handout:

Readings:

Link Directly to Fulltext article in Ovid

<12>

Unique Identifier [PMID]: 12015455

Authors: Lean IS. McDonald V. Pollok RC.

Institution: Digestive Diseases Research Centre, Department of Adult and Paediatric Gastroenterology, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK. i.lean@qmul.ac.uk

Title: The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium infection. [Review] [45 refs]

Source: Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 15(3):229-34, 2002 Jun.

Abstract: First described in 1912, the importance of the coccidian parasite Cryptosporidium parvum as an enteropathogen in humans was not recognized until the early 1980s, when it was found to be a common opportunistic infection in AIDS. Infection with this organism triggers a complex array of innate and cell-mediated immune responses within the intestinal mucosa. How cytokines and chemokines interact to regulate these responses in order to achieve clearance of the parasite yet preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa is still being unravelled. T helper type 1 cytokines, and particularly interferon-gamma, have long been considered to be the main orchestrators of the immune response to this infection, but recent studies suggest that T helper type 2 cytokines may also be involved. In addition, transforming growth factor-beta 1, although having little effect on parasite development, is an important modulator of the immune response and plays a role in protecting the epithelial integrity from the effects of the inflammatory process. [References: 45]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

Link Directly to Fulltext Article at Publisher

<13>

Unique Identifier [PMID]: 11781272

Authors: Hunter PR. Nichols G.

Institution: School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom. paul.hunter@uea.ac.uk

Title: Epidemiology and clinical features of Cryptosporidium infection in immunocompromised patients. [Review] [132 refs]

Source: Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 15(1):145-54, 2002 Jan.

Abstract: Cryptosporidium spp. are a major cause of diarrheal disease in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals. They also cause waterborne disease in both the United States and United Kingdom. Studies on the mechanisms of immunity to cryptosporidiosis indicate the importance of the T-cell response. The spectrum and severity of disease in immunocompromised individuals with cryptosporidiosis reflect this importance since the most severe disease is seen in individuals with defects in the T-cell response. The most commonly studied group is that of patients with AIDS. These patients suffer from more severe and prolonged gastrointestinal disease that can be fatal; in addition, body systems other than the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. The widespread use of antiretroviral therapy does appear to be having a beneficial effect on recovery from cryptosporidiosis and on the frequency of infection in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Other diseases that are associated with increased risk of severe cryptosporidiosis, such as primary immunodeficiencies, most notably severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, are also predominantly associated with T-cell defects. Of the remaining groups, children with acute leukemia seem to be most at risk from cryptosporidiosis. There is less evidence of severe complications in patients with other malignant diseases or in those receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy. [References: 132]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

Resident Report / Department of Medicine & Grady Branch Library

Emory University School of Medicine

2006 Edition

Participating Faculty:  Carlos Del Rio MD  / Joyce Doyle MD / Lorenzo Difrancesco MD / Joel Mermis MD / Maunank Shah MD

Contact: Karl Woodworth