Abstract

AIDS: Cryptosporidiosis, caused by a microscopic parasite, can be a life-threatening disease in persons with immune deficiency. It is spread by contaminated water, as well as by contact with infected persons or animals. The risk from water came to national attention in 1993, when over 400,000 people got cryptosporidiosis from the Milwaukee water supply, despite purification according to Federal standards. On June 15, 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines regarding cryptosporidium and water supplies. The guidelines suggest that all immunocompromised persons be educated and counseled about the ways that cryptosporidium can be transmitted, and that all persons avoid drinking water directly from lakes and rivers. Immunocompromised persons should boil water for one minute to eliminate risk for acquiring the parasite. Only microstraining filters capable of removing particles less than or equal to one micrometer in size should be used by people who choose to use a personal-use filter. The CDC recommendations state that many brands of bottled water adequately reduce the risk for cryptosporidiosis and, thus, provide a reasonable alternative to boiling tap water. According to the CDC, the guidelines are targeted to everyone with HIV, not just those with low CD4 counts.