Medical Description

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease. Cryptosporidium is capable of completing its life cycle within a single host. Excretion through feces allow it to be transmitted to a new host.

Symptoms

• Watery diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weight Loss
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

General Information

Cryptosporidium can be found in intestine of infected humans or animal. Cryptosporidium can also be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected human or animal.

Cryptosporidiumcan not be spread by contact of blood by the infected human or animal. However, Cryptosporidium can be very contagious. Cryptosporidium can be spread by:

• putting in the mouth or swallowing something that had contact with an infected human or animal

• swallowing recreational water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, river, springs, ponds, or streams contaminated with sewage or feces from infected human or animal (Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine and can survive for days in chlorine-treated water)

• eating uncooked food contaminated with Cryptosporidium

• accidentally swallowing after coming in contact with surface areas such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys contaminated with Cryptosporidium

Symptoms generally begin between 2 to 10 days of becoming infected with Cryptosporidium. Symptoms can last between 1 to 2 weeks and can go through cycles alternating between feeling good and feeling worse again before the illness end.

Treatment for Cryptosporidium

Most people with healthy immune system can recover from Cryptosporidium without treatment. Most healthy people may need anti-diarrheal medicine and fluids to rehydrate from the symptoms of diarrhea.

Most people with poor immune system or weakened immune system may have a higher risk of developing more severe and prolonged illness. Cryptosporidium is usually not curable and symptoms may return if the immune system worsens.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fact Sheet: Cryptosporidium Infection August 19, 2005. Retrieved September 24, 2007.

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