Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. While most healthy adults typically recover within a few weeks, the infection can pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The parasite is commonly found in contaminated water, food, and surfaces, and can be transmitted through various means, including contact with infected animals, contaminated recreational waters, and unwashed food.
Symptoms often develop between two to ten days after exposure, and diagnosis is confirmed through stool sample analysis. Treatment is generally supportive; healthy individuals may not require medication, while those with severe symptoms might receive intravenous fluids and antidiarrheal drugs. Preventive measures focus on maintaining good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing, consuming only pasteurized products, and avoiding contaminated water sources. By understanding the transmission routes and practicing proper hygiene, individuals can significantly lower their risk of contracting cryptosporidiosis.
Cryptosporidiosis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gastrointestinal system, intestines
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Crypto
Definition
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection of the intestine that can cause severe diarrhea. Most healthy adults recover from this infection within a few weeks, but it can be life-threatening for young children, older people, and very sick people.
Causes
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. These protozoa live in the intestines of infected people and animals. They can also contaminate objects and surfaces that people touch. They may also be in soil where food is grown. The parasite can also be found in recreational waters where people swim.
The infection is caused by swallowing the parasite. When the parasite enters the intestine, it comes out of its shell. It will multiply and may cause an infection. Eventually, it is passed from the body through a bowel movement.
Sources of cryptosporidiosis include contact with diapers or clothing that are contaminated with the infection; contact with animal feces by touching animals, cleaning cages, or visiting barns; and sexual activity that involves contact with feces. Another source of crypto is eating food grown in, or contaminated by, infected soil; drinking unpasteurized milk or other dairy products; drinking apple cider; and eating food handled by an infected person or a person who has washed their hands in contaminated water.
Another source of infection is water. One can be infected by accidentally swallowing water from contaminated recreational sites, such as lakes, oceans, bays, streams, rivers, hot tubs, swimming pools, and water parks; and by drinking water or using ice that is contaminated.
Risk Factors
People who are at increased risk for cryptosporidiosis include young children, especially if they are in daycare; day-care staff or those who work in other group settings; people whose immune system is weakened by cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or an organ transplant; people who engage in oral-anal sex; and international travelers, backpackers, hikers, and campers.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin between two and ten days after infection, but some people will not have any symptoms. They consist mainly of watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, upset stomach, vomiting, slight fever, weakness, weight loss, and dehydration. Symptoms may come and go before the infected person feels better.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will take one or more stool samples, which will be sent to a laboratory to be examined.
Treatment and Therapy
People with healthy immune systems usually recover without needing treatment. Recovery can take several weeks. The infected person with severe diarrhea may be given intravenous fluids and specific antidiarrheal drugs. Nitazoxanide is approved to treat the diarrhea associated with cryptosporidiosis in healthy people.
People with a weakened immune system (such as those living with AIDS) have a greater risk of getting this infection. They are also likely to have a more severe and longer infection. Also, they might become permanently infected.
Prevention and Outcomes
One can take several necessary measures to lower the risk of getting cryptosporidiosis. These measures include good hygiene, such as washing one’s hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper, handling or eating food, contact with animals or soil, and contact with infected people. Other measures are boiling water and avoiding swallowing water when swimming, washing vegetables that will be eaten raw, drinking only pasteurized milk and juice, and using precautions during sexual activity.
If infected with cryptosporidiosis, one should take measures to avoid spreading the parasite to others; these measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding swimming in recreational waters, and taking precautions during sexual activity.
Bibliography
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