Cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

Genus Cryptosporidium has more than 30 species, of which Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis are the most common species that cause opportunistic infection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised human hosts. Cryptosporidiosis in humans may vary from mild self-limiting diarrhea to chronic profuse watery diarrhea which can be fatal. In children it is most common in malnourished and those with poor immunity. Cryptosporidium is highly contagious due to its ability to survive in the environment for longer time and resistance to chlorine-based disinfectants which is used for drinking water treatment and also swimming pools. Infection is transmitted by ingestion of oocyst of Cryptosporidium. It is more common in developing countries than developed countries due to inadequate hygienic practices and fundamental shortcomings in infrastructure to prevent the contamination of food and water with oocyst of Cryptosporidium. The drugs used for treating immunocompetent individuals are nitazoxanide and paromomycin. In immunocompromised there is no specific drug except for lowering the dose of immunosuppressants or HAART therapy in AIDS patient. It is a significant cause of infection in livestock which leads to economic loss.Keywords Cryptosporidium Immunocompromised hostsOpportunistic infections OocystNitazoxanide