l-Arginine and Its Use in Ameliorating Cryptosporidium parvum Infection in Undernourished Children

Crysptosporidiosis has been associated with persistent diarrhea and growth faltering (even without overt diarrhea) in children living in endemic areas of malnutrition and enteric infections in the developing world. The treatment is still unsatisfactory and therefore nutritional interventions are an attractive way to ameliorate the disease burden, especially in undernourished children. Herewith, we discuss the benefits of arginine supplementation to improve C. parvum infection outcomes in murine models. Clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings, which may potentially benefit children at risk in the developing world.