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Crypto

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Crypto is short for cryptosporidiosis (krip-toh-spar-ihd-ee-OH-suhss). You can get it if you put something in your mouth that has been in contact with the bowel movement (BM) or poop of a person or animal that has crypto. Most people who get crypto have watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and fever. In some people severe diarrhea leads to weight loss. Symptoms can last a long time in people with CD4 counts below 200. It can also cause death.

You can help keep crypto out of your mouth by:

• Washing your hands
• Practicing safer sex (using a male or female latex condom correctly and consistently, for every sexual act)
• Not swallowing water when you swim
• Washing and cooking your food
• Drinking only safe water
• Being careful around animals, especially farm animals and young puppies and kittens

Crypto can be treated, but no drug cures it. HIV drugs can decrease or get rid of crypto symptoms. However, crypto is usually not cured and may come back if the immune system gets weaker. Some drugs may reduce the symptoms of crypto. If you think you may have crypto, talk with your doctor.

Additional Resources:

Publications

1.   “Crypto” — Cryptosporidiosis — This web resource provides general information about crypto, how a person can become infected, symptoms, who is at risk, prevention, and treatment options.

   http://www.cdc.gov/crypto/

2.   Cryptosporidiosis Treatment — This publication discusses treatment options for people with cryptosporidiosis (crypto). Although healthy individuals recover from crypto quickly, people with HIV often need lifelong treatment for crypto infection and should see a doctor if crypto symptoms occur.

   http://www.cdc.gov/crypto/treatment.html

3.   You Can Prevent Crypto (Cryptosporidosis): A Guide for People with HIV Infection — This publication for people with HIV explains what cryptosporidosis is and how to prevent it.

   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/oi_cryp.htm

4. Preventing Cryptosporidosis: A Guide for Persons With Compromised Immune Systems (Copyright © Project Inform) — This guide can help people with HIV learn about cryptosporidosis and how it is spread, treated, and prevented.

   http://www.projectinform.org/info/cryptos/index.shtml

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Content last updated March 4, 2009.