Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease affecting the intestines of mammals. Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium parasites can be found anywhere in the environment that is contaminated by animal droppings or human waste. Cryptosporidium oocysts can contaminate soil and the food grown in it. They can get onto objects and surfaces that people touch. They can get into lakes, rivers, streams, and pools where people swim.Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the stool. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine- based disinfectants. Cryptosporidium lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of crypto germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Consequently, Cryptosporidium is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal feces. Human illness was formerly thought to be caused by a single species, but recent molecular studies have demonstrated that several different species cause human cryptosporidiosis. Among the more common species are Cryptosporidium hominis , for which humans are the only natural host. Cryptosporidium parvum , which infects bovines as well as humans.
If a person swallows the parasite they become infected. People get cryptosporidiosis by swallowing Cryptosporidium oocysts. Even a few can cause infection Infected persons might have small amounts of Cryptosporidium-containing stool on their skin in the genital area. Cases of cryptosporidiosis occur singly and in outbreaks. Individual cases have been reported most often in persons with weakened immune systems, and infection with Cryptosporidium is among the most common causes of diarrhea. Sexual activities that might involve contact with stool can lead to infection with Cryptosporidium. People can get cryptosporidiosis if they drink this water or accidentally swallow it when swimming. Contaminated drinking water or ice can be a source of Cryptosporidium infection. The feces of animals, especially young animals and animals with diarrhea, can contain Cryptosporidium. People can be exposed to the parasite when touching animals, cleaning up their droppings, cleaning cages or stalls, or visiting barns and other places where animals live Food can be contaminated when it is handled by someone who is infected or when it is washed with Cryptosporidium-contaminated water.Water in lakes, rivers, streams, ocean bays, swimming pools, hot tubs, and recreational water parks can be contaminated with Cryptosporidium.
Causes of Cryptosporidiosis
Common causes of Cryptosporidiosis
- Infection.
- cross-contaminated food.
- Chlorine bleach.
- Swallowing recreational water.
- Recreation.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis
Common symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach pains.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis
Common Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis
- Nitazoxanide, has been approved for treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium in people with healthy immune systems
- Cryptosporidiosis is usually not curable and the symptoms may return if the immune status worsens. See your health care provider to discuss anti-retroviral therapy used to improve your immune status.
- Antiretroviral therapy that improves immune status can decrease or eliminate symptoms.
- Nitazoxanide tablets are a potentially useful treatment for immunocompetent adults with cryptosporidiosis.
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