Cryptosporidiosis or cryptosporidosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium sp., which can be found in the environment, in the form of an oocyst, or by parasitising people’s gastrointestinal system, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, for example.
The main disease-causing species in humans is Cryptosporidium hominis, while in animals it is more common to see Cryptosporidium parvum infection, but it can also infect humans; however, the two species are very similar, differing only by molecular testing.
- Cryptosporidiosis can be diagnosed by parasitological stool examination or gastric villlosity biopsy.
- And should be recommended by the family doctor or gastroenterologist based on the symptoms of the person.
Cryptosporidium is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, but can also spread throughout the body and be present in the lungs, esophagus, pharynge, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts, so the main symptoms associated with infection by this parasite are:
Symptoms last an average of 10 days and may vary depending on the person’s age, immune abilities and the onset of other infections.For example, children and people with weaker immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more likely to become infected with Cryptosporidium.Sp.
Cryptosporidium infection can occur through direct contact with infected people, and is common in high-concentration environments such as day care centers and hospitals, for example, or through sexual contact, although the latter form is rare.In addition, the infection can also occur, by contact with animals that remove oocysts from faeces.
Infection with this parasite can also occur by ingesting food or water contaminated with faeces containing Cryptosporidium oocysts.Transmission of this parasite can also occur from the use of pools or bathtubs or remnants of poorly disinfected human droppings, as this form of transmission is more common in those who frequent public pools with poor maintenance conditions.See other conditions that can occur in the pool or bathtub.
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in hospitals because it is an opportunistic parasite, with more frequent involvement of people with weaker immune systems, in addition, the life cycle of this parasite is simple and short, a small amount of this parasite is able to cause disease and there is release of mature structures, which favors cases of self-infection.
The life cycle of Cryptosporidium is short and lasts on average of 2 to 7 days. Oocysts enter the body through consumption of contaminated food or water or through contact with infected people or contaminated environments. In the body, the oocyst releases sporozoites that parasitistic the gastrointestinal tract or other tissues, such as the respiratory system.
The parasite is then multiplied and matured, producing two types of oocysts: one thicker wall, which is normally released through the faeces, allowing the cycle to restart, and a finer-walled one, which is usually related to self-infection.
The diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is made by looking for oocysts in the stool using a parasitological examination or by looking for oocysts in intestinal biopsy material or scraped mucosa.
The treatment of cryptosporidiosis is done with the aim of relieving symptoms, especially diarrhoea and dehydration, by repositioning fluids, for example, because the drugs for this disease are still in the testing phase.
To prevent infection with this parasite, it is important to take prophylactic measures, such as disinfecting food before preparing or consuming food, taking special care with personal hygiene and the objects used, and avoiding contact with infected people.hands before cooking, eating and after going to the bathroom.Here’s how to wash your hands well to prevent infections.