Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Volume 98, Issue 2, February 1990, Pages 486-489
Gastroenterology

Case report
Cessation of Cryptosporidium-associated diarrhea in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient after treatment with hyperimmune bovine colostrum

https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(90)90842-OGet rights and content

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a parasite of the human gastrointestinal tract that can cause life-threatening diarrhea in immunodeficient patients. Although more than 80 agents have been tried with occasional anecdotal success, treatment remains primarily limited to hydration. A 38-yr-old homosexual man with antibody to human immunodeficiency virus and Cryptosporidium-related diarrhea is described. The patient excreted 6–12 L of stool per day for at least 3 mo, 2 of them spent in the hospital. Trials with more than 6 antidiarrheal medications were ineffective. The patient received bovine colostrum hyperimmune to Cryptosporidium by direct duodenal infusion. During infusion, the patient's fecal output decreased to less than 2 L per day, and 48 h after treatment, stools were formed and oocysts to Cryptosporidium were absent. The patient remained asymptomatic for 3 mo. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum offers an exciting new therapy for cryptosporidiosis; controlled trials to establish efficacy should be undertaken and the active factor(s) characterized.

References (19)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

This work was supported by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Protocol No. G18792.

View full text