Disseminated cystoisosporiasis in an HIV-infected patient: long-term clinical, parasitological and molecular follow-up

Disseminated Cystoisospora belli infection is an uncommon but potentially fatal manifestation in patients with AIDS, and information on extended follow-up is limited. A 39-year-old man with HIV/AIDS and disseminated cystoisosporiasis was monitored clinically, parasitologically and molecularly during hospitalization and for three subsequent years. Oocyst excretion ended by day six, while C. belli DNA remained detectable in blood until day 30. All later samples were negative and no relapse occurred. Serial molecular testing in blood proved useful for monitoring the course of disseminated cystoisosporiasis.