Cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium that can lead to diarrhea.Cryptosporidium parasites are spread through direct contact with infected people or animals or exposure to fecal contamination of water, soil, food, or the hands of exposed individuals.Once ingested, the parasite causes infection in the small intestine.Rarely, Cryptosporidium can cause disease outside of the gastrointestinal tract as well.The disease's effects range from no symptoms to death in certain cases and depend onmanyfactors,includingtheunderlyinghealthoftheinfectedpatient.Cryptosporidiosis occurs around the world but is more common in regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.Cryptosporidium parasites are resistant to many common disinfectants including chlorine, which can make infection difficult to eradicate.Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis from contaminated drinking water occurred in Texas in 1984 and Milwaukee in 1993.More recently, large-scale outbreaks have been linked to recreational water activities and child care centers.

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