Since this observation, there have been numerous anecdotal reports of both success and failure with hyperimmune bovine colostrum 8,9 . It has not been rigorously studied in a scientific trial. It has been administered with success in a small, scientifically rigorous clinical trial 10 . The study design included a crossover arm with DLE from cattle immunized with cryptosporidiosis, and DLE from cattle not immunized with cryptosporidiosis. Unfortunately, the usefulness of these immunomodulatory agents has been limited due to their lack of availability and problems with standardization in their preparations.
Research is currently underway to evaluate standardized hyperimmune globulin preparations.
Most clinicians have found their therapeutic interventions in AIDS patents with cryptosporidiosis reduced to simply providing symptomatic therapy. Symptomatic therapy begins with the correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances that may be necessary on a long-term basis. The empiric use of antidiarrheals is essential, and regimens must be individualized based on patient responses. In cases of biliary cryptosporidiosis, symptoms may improve after endoscopic papilotomy or cholecystectomy. When secondary bacterial infections complicate an abnormal biliary tract involved with cryptosporidiosis, antibiotics may be helpful.