Cryptosporidium case study

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Cryptosporidium case study

15. October 2008 by Elizabeth Redmond, PhD, MMSc 6 Comments

Metametrix Institute holds weekly grand rounds where laboratory reports as well as clinical diagnosis, history, and other pertinent information are reviewed by the Metametrix Institute clinical consultants and selected clinicians. This week's grand rounds reviewed a gastrointestinal report of a patient with recurrent cryptosporidium.

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Comments (6) -

Angela Vittucci, R.D.

10/21/2008 6:31:58 AM #

I'm a little confused.
If it is determined that the cryptosporidium is the cause of this clients problems, is there not an herbal or other naturopathic remedy that would address this infection?
If she were to use western medical drugs....which one is most effective?
Would it have been helpful for her to treat the infection at the time of the full moon?
I have been told this is when parasites move, migrate and replicate.
I have also been taught that it takes treating for three life cycles to irradicate a parasite.
Often I find MD's only give the medicine one time......and thus months later the patient is sick again because the eggs hatch that the first parasites had laid.
I welcome comments on this.
Thanks
Angela

Dr. Edward Zimmer

10/21/2008 11:49:36 AM #

This case study was worthless. The patient basically tested normal in everything except for a crypto infection. A case study should provide the practitioner with information that they might not be able to determine themselves and it should give direction for us to treat. A monkey could have read the results of this test and there were no treatment options worth anything given at the end of the study. Next time pick a case study that helps us instead of one that creates more frustration.

Thank you for the effort.

Dr. Zimmer

eredmond

10/22/2008 7:04:19 PM #

Angela,
Thanks for responding. Cryptosporidiosis causes a self-limited diarrheal illness in healthy individuals, and does not generally require treatment. A prolonged illness is most often seen in those with compromised immune systems or who suffer re-infection. The standard treatment in those individuals is Paromomycin (Humatin) or Azithromycin (Zithromax). Antidiarrheal agents are also recommended. Some of the botanical treatments that clinicians who use our testing recommend are; Alli-cinn by Pharmax; Oregano oil; Allicillin or GI-Mycrobe-X by DFH; or other mixed botanical products. In regards to the lunar effects it is believed that refers to worms, not protozoa. Some worms are cyclical and migrate with lunar stages.

thanks for your response,
Elizabeth Redmond, PhD, MMSc, RD
Clinical Specialist
Metametrix Clinical Laboratory

Jeff Bell

12/1/2008 1:51:17 PM #

I just finished an adventure race and we were drinking stream water with iodine tabs. My teammate was diagnosed with Crypto and I have similar but not as severe symptoms. Should I just let time be the cure?

Elizabeth Redmond

12/3/2008 11:50:38 AM #

Jeff,

If you have Crypto then generally the symptoms will clear with time, it usually lasts 1-2 weeks. The CDC's web site states the following about Crypto; 'Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. People who are in poor health or who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for more severe and prolonged illness. However it is possible that you have another organism, such as Giardia, that will not clear on its own. The best course of action would be to see your medical provider, someone who knows your medical history.

Thanks,

Elizabeth Redmond, PhD
Clinical Specialist
Metametrix Institute