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Cystoisosporiasis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardParasitologyCystoisosporiasisSCE Infectious Diseases

A person with advanced HIV has chronic watery diarrhoea and large oval acid-fast oocysts consistent with Cystoisospora belli. Which treatment is appropriate?

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Correct answer: C — High-dose co-trimoxazole followed by prophylaxis until immune recovery

The best answer is “High-dose co-trimoxazole followed by prophylaxis until immune recovery”. Cystoisosporiasis in advanced HIV responds to co-trimoxazole, but relapse is common until ART restores cellular immunity, so a suppressive phase is required. BHIVA guidance governs investigation and treatment of HIV-associated disease and supports standard specialist care when HIV is virologically controlled.

Reference: BHIVA clinical guidelines: https://bhiva.org/clinical-guidelines/