Work

Cryptosporidiosis: An Emerging, Highly Infectious Threat

Year: 1997

Type: review

Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum, a leading cause of persistent diarrhea in developing countries, is a major threat to the U.S. water supply. Able to infect with as few as 30 microscopic oocysts, Cryptosporidium is found in untreated surface water, as well as in swimming and wade pools, day-care centers, and hospitals. The organism can cause illnesses lasting longer than 1 to 2 weeks in previously healthy persons or indefinitely in immunocompromised patients; furthermore, in young children in developing countries, cryptosporidiosis predisposes to substantially increased diarrheal illnesses. Recent increased awareness of the threat of cryptosporidiosis should improve detection in patients with diarrhea. New methods such as those using polymerase chain reaction may help with detection of Cryptosporidium in water supplies or in asymptomatic carriers. Although treatment is very limited, new approaches that may reduce secretion or enhance repair of the damaged intestinal mucosa are under study.

Source: Emerging infectious diseases

DOI: 10.3201/eid0301.970106

Author: Richard L. Guerrant

Institution: University of Virginia

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases