[Cryptosporidium infection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised host].

Prior to 1980 infections with Cryptosporidium species were considered extremely rare in humans. During the eighties, evidence cumulates that this intracellular protozoan was often responsible of self-limiting diarrheal illness in immunocompetent patients and of a prolonged, life-threatening disease in immunocompromised hosts, especially patients with AIDS. The aim of this paper is to review the present knowledge on Cryptosporidium biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and highlight recent studies on the clinical aspects of this infection.