Roxithromycin treatment for diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium spp. in patients with AIDS

In view of the action of newer macrolide antibiotics on intracellular protozoa, we have investigated the efficacy of roxithromycin in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in 26 patients with AIDS. Cryptosporidiosis was confirmed either by faecal examination for parasites (modified Kinyoun method) or by detection of the parasite in biopsy material obtained by colonoscopy. Patients received oral roxithromycin (300 mg bd) for 4 weeks. Twenty-two patients completed the study. At the end of the study, 15 patients (68%) were considered to be cured and six patients (27%) improved, and treatment failed in one patient (5%). We conclude that roxithromycin is a useful treatment for diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium spp. associated with AIDS.