Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease (Read about "Diarrhea") caused by a microscopic parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum. (Read about "Microorganisms") It can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. Both the disease and the parasite are also known as "Crypto." The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine disinfection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that during the past two decades, Crypto has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (drinking and recreational water) in humans in the United States. The parasite is found in every region of the United States and throughout the world.

Cryptosporidiosis causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. (Read about "Gastroenteritis") Symptoms include diarrhea, loose or watery stool (bowel movements), stomach cramps, upset stomach and a slight fever. Some people have no symptoms. Symptoms generally begin 2-10 days after being infected. In persons with average immune systems (Read about "The Immune System"), symptoms usually last about 2 weeks; the symptoms may go in cycles in which you may seem to get better for a few days, then feel worse, before the illness ends.

Crypto lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of Crypto can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Crypto may be found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Crypto is not spread by contact with blood. Crypto can be spread:

• By putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something that has come in contact with the stool of a person or animal infected with Crypto.
• By swallowing recreational water contaminated with Crypto. Recreational water is water in swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals. Crypto is chlorine resistant and can live for days in pools.
• By eating uncooked food contaminated with Crypto. Thoroughly wash with uncontaminated water all vegetables and fruits you plan to eat raw.
• By accidentally swallowing Crypto picked up from surfaces (such as toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) contaminated with stool from an infected person.

As with any condition involving diarrhea, a big concern with Crypto, especially for children and seniors, is dehydration. (Read about "Dehydration") This happens if the body loses more fluids and salts (electrolytes) than it takes in. Signs of dehydration include a decrease in urine production (Read about "The Urinary System"), extreme thirst, dry mouth and unusual drowsiness. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. CDC says special oral rehydration fluids can be purchased at drugstores, and can be used according to the package directions. You should ask your pediatrician what's best in your child's case. If you have any concerns about dehydration, contact your doctor at once. It's also important to call your doctor if there is fever or prolonged vomiting.

Most people with a healthy immune system will recover on their own, according to CDC. People who are in poor health or who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk for more severe and more prolonged illness.

Related Information:

    Digestive System

    Animal & Insect Borne Diseases

    Travel and Health