Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infections in Children: A Review

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;64(4):837-850. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2017.03.014.

Abstract

Diarrheal disease remains the second leading cause of mortality in children in developing countries. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause and its importance stands to increase as rotavirus vaccine becomes used around the world. Cryptosporidium is particularly problematic in children younger than 2 years old and in the immunocompromised. Giardia lamblia is a common intestinal protozoan that is associated with diarrhea and, perhaps, growth faltering in impoverished settings. This review establishes the current prevalence of these infections in global settings and reviews current diagnosis and management approaches.

Keywords: Children; Cryptosporidium; Diarrhea.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology*
  • Cryptosporidiosis / therapy
  • Cryptosporidium*
  • Diarrhea / etiology*
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Giardia lamblia*
  • Giardiasis / epidemiology*
  • Giardiasis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents