Cryptosporidium is a protozoan with worldwide distribution that infects a wide variety of species, including humans and animals. Thirty-eight individual species of Cryptosporidium have been characterised, including more than 60 genotypes [1]. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum are most commonly found to cause illness in humans and are attributed to >90% of infections [2].

Responsible for causing cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium has been ranked as the sixth most important food-borne parasite globally. Human to human as well as animal to human transmissions have also been documented [3].

Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent globally. In the United States, cryptosporidiosis is a nationally reported disease, with an estimated 823,000 cases annually. Approximately 9.9% of these cases are attributed to international travel. The demographic group with the highest reported rates of cryptosporidiosis comprises young children under 5 years old and their caregivers. [2]

The disease burden in both developed and developing countries is likely to be underestimated partly due to the large number of asymptomatic or self-limiting cases, lack of newer diagnostic methods resulting in the reliance on microscopy for routine detection, which is associated with low specificity and sensitivity [4].

Cryptosporidium: Symptoms, prevention & treatment

Patients infected with Cryptosporidium can experience a wide range of symptoms.

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Cryptosporidium laboratory diagnosis

Learn more about the challenges of traditional diagnostic techniques for detecting Cryptosporidium and the benefits of molecular testing.

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References

  1. Gibson AR, Striepen B. Cryptosporidium. Curr Biol. 2018 Mar 5;28(5):R193-R194. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.070. PMID: 29510102.
  2. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/cryptosporidiosis
  3. Mohebali M, Yimam Y, Woreta A. Cryptosporidium infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health. 2020 May 18;114(4):183-193. doi: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1746888. Epub 2020 Apr 3. PMID: 32242508; PMCID: PMC7448945.
  4. Bouzid M, Kintz E, Hunter PR. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018 Jun 7;12(6):e0006553. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006553. PMID: 29879110; PMCID: PMC6014672.