Cryptosporidiosis: medical effects

Cryptosporidiosis, the diarrhoeal illness caused by the parasite cryptosporidium, affects people of all ages, but it is of particular concern in young children and those whose immune system has been compromised by a pre-existing illness.

A study of hospital admissions due to cryptosporidiosis in the Republic found that 75 per cent of admissions were children under five years of age, while four in every 10 admissions were for children under two. This may reflect a higher incidence of infection in these age groups or it could be that young children are more likely to need hospital admission because of their symptoms. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan found in animal faeces. Protozoa are large microbes and are classified separately from bacteria, viruses and fungi. There is no specific treatment for the bug.

Because the diarrhoea is watery and because it can last for about two weeks, it is especially important that infants and young children receive an adequate fluid intake during the illness. Each day an infant has a fluid intake that represents 10-15 per cent of its body weight so prolonged diarrhoea places them at risk of dehydration. The best way of giving fluids is to use an oral rehydration solution such as Diorylate. It contains the correct amount of carbohydrate and sodium for young children. Homemade salt and sugar solutions should not be used nor should soft drinks be given to infants.

It is usual to withhold the child's feed during the first 24 hours of diarrhoea and during this time it should be given about 200ml per kilo of body weight oral rehydration fluid. Commercially available solutions tell you how much to use for different age groups. Signs of dehydration in babies include sunken eyes, a loss of skin elasticity, reduced consciousness and a reduced output of urine. A child showing any of these symptoms should see a doctor without delay.