Cryptosporidium parvum :

m Is a single-cell microorganism called protozoa. It is found in

water that has been contaminated with cow feces. This
microorganism can cause food borne infection.
m Becoming a familiar cause of outbreaks of diarrhea. When it
contaminates a municipal water supply, it can make many
people sick at onceȄ it does this quite often because of its
small size and its ability to survive chlorination.
m The infective stage of the organism, is spherical and only
about three to five one thousandths of a millimeter wide.
Environmentally resistant, it survives cold, chlorination, and
salt water. Itǯs found in surface waters all over the globeȄ
municipalities that use surface water supplies must do more
than chlorinate water to avoid an outbreak. Most rely on
filtration.
Varasitic infection
*infection is generally self-limiting in
immunocompetent people. In immunocompromised
patients, such as those with AIDS or those
undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, infection
may not be self-limiting, leading to dehydration and
in severe cases, death.
The most common symptom of intestinal
cryptosporidium is severe watery diarrhea,
which usually lasts 2 to 4 days.
Other symptoms may include anorexia,
nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain.
The various symptoms of cryptosporidiosis differ greatly between
immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
In immunocompetent patients, cryptosporidiosis is an acute, yet
self-limiting diarrheal illness (1-2 week duration), and symptoms
include (Juranek, 1995):
v Frequent, watery diarrhea
v Nausea
v Vomiting
v Abdominal cramps
v Low-grade fever
v
For immunocompromised persons, the illness is much more severe
(Juranek, 1995):

v Debilitating, cholera-like diarrhea (up to 20 liters/day)

v Severe abdominal cramps
v Malaise
v Low-grade fever
v Weight loss
v Anorexia
It could occur, theoretically, on any food touched by a
contaminated food handler. Incidence is higher in
child day care centers that serve food. Fertilizing
salad vegetables with manure is another possible
source of human infection. Large outbreaks are
associated with contaminated water supplies.

Contaminated food and water.

All cryptosporidiosis infections are caused by
ingestion/inhalation of oocysts. Therefore, prevention
measures must aim to limit host contact with the organism.
Current measures focus on hygiene, as for most diarrhea-
causing agents (enter pathogens). Disease outbreaks can be
prevented by implementing the following recommendations.
m washing hands
m avoid swallowing recreational water
m using caution when travelling
m avoiding drinking untreated water or treat water before
drinking.
m being careful when dealing with animals .
m avoid fecal exposure
m The easiest way to prevent cryptosporidiosis is to practice
good hygiene, especially after using the toilet.