Open AccessHost Responses to Cryptosporidium Infection
Author(s) -
Gookin Jody L.,
Nordone Shila K.,
Argenzio Robert A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2002.tb01602.x
Subject(s) - enterocyte , malabsorption , cryptosporidium , intestinal epithelium , medicine , diarrhea , cryptosporidium parvum , secretion , immunology , barrier function , epithelium , microbiology and biotechnology , gastroenterology , biology , pathology , small intestine , virology , feces
Cryptosporidium is a clinically and economically important infection whose pathogenic effect begins with colonization of the intestinal epithelium. Despite intensive efforts, a consistently effective therapy for the infection has yet to be identified. Morbidity and mortality results from ongoing loss of absorptive epithelium, which leads to villous atrophy and malabsorption and release of inflammatory mediators that stimulate electrolyte secretion and diarrhea. With further clarification of the mechanisms underlying enterocyte malfunction in Cryptosporidium infection, it should be possible to design rational nutritional and pharmacologic therapies to enhance nutrient and water absorption, promote the clearance of infected enterocytes, and restore normal villus architecture and mucosal barrier function.