Date: Wed, 6 Dec 1995 00:24:32 +0500
From: ghmcleaf{CONTRACTOR/ASPEN/ghmcleaf}%NAC-GATEWAY.ASPEN@ace.aspensys.com
Subject: CDC Natl AIDS Hotline Training Bull #154


           CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
                       HIV/AIDS PREVENTION
           CDC NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE TRAINING BULLETIN
.................................................................
July 12, 1995                                               #154

This is the answer from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to a question from the CDC National AIDS Hotline
concerning cryptosporidiosis,

Is there any risk of injection drug users getting
cryptosporidiosis when using possibly contaminated water for
cleaning injection drug needles?  Will needle-cleaning guidelines
be revised accordingly?

Cryptosporidium parvum, the protozoa that causes
cryptosporidiosis ("crypto"), is not a bloodborne organism.
Crypto is transmitted via the fecal-oral route (e.g., consuming
water or food contaminated by animal or human feces or sexually
via oral-anal contact).  CDC knows of no cases where it has been
transmitted through the use of needles.  There are several
reasons why this route of transmission is unlikely.  First,
crypto is not bloodborne.  Second, there are few crypto cysts
found in tap water.  CDC does not list the use of tap water to
clean injection drug needles as a route of transmission for
crypto.  It is much more likely for pathogens other than crypto
(such as bacteria) to be spread through water used for this
purpose.  The previously issued joint statement on the use of
bleach for disinfection of drug injection equipment (see MMWR
dated June 4, 1993) are still current.  Diluted chlorine bleach
inactivates a wide range of bacteria and viruses, but crypto is
resistant to these levels of chlorine.  Drug users should be
encouraged to seek treatment to stop using drugs.  For those who
are unwilling or unable to do so, a new sterile needle and
syringe is recommended for each injection.  If possible, sterile
water should be used to prepare drugs for injection.


Disclaimer:  CDC Hotline Training Bulletins

The information in the "CDC Hotline Training Bulletins" is
provided by CDC and NIH for use by the CDC National AIDS Hotline
in responding to general questions from the public about HIV and
AIDS.  The bulletins are not intended to be comprehensive
discussions of the subject areas.  Treatment and drug therapy
options change as new research and clinical experiences broaden
scientific knowledge.  Therefore, persons seeking information on
drug therapy should refer to the product information sheet
included in all drug packages for the most current and accurate
information about a particular drug, especially if the drug is
new or infrequently used.  HIV-infected individuals should
consult their personal physician for specific concerns about
their health.  For persons desiring more information on a
specific topic, public, medical, and university libraries can
provide excellent references.  The AIDS Clinical Trials
Information Service (800-874-2572) can provide information about
ongoing HIV/AIDS clinical trials; the HIV/AIDS Treatment
Information Service (800-448-0440) can assist with information
about the latest treatments for persons with HIV infection or
AIDS.