Cryptosporidiosis(Crypto)Pronounced: KRIP-toe-spo-rid-ee-OH-sis
by
Julie J. Martin, MS DefinitionCryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection. It goes away on its own in most people. But, it can be life-threatening for young children, the elderly, and people who are sick.
CausesA certain parasite causes cryptosporidiosis. It enters the body by when you swallow it. Once in the intestine, it comes out of its shell and multiplies. You can get it from contaminated water, soil, or stool. It can pass to you from:
Risk FactorsRisk is higher for:
SymptomsMost people don’t have symptoms. If they do appear, they may cause:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may have a physical exam and stool tests. TreatmentMost people will not need care because the infection will go away on its own. The infection is also more likely to be more severe and last longer if your immune system is weak. If needed, care may involve:
PreventionTo lower your chances of cryptosporidiosis: Wash your hands often, mainly:
In general:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov IDSA—Infectious Diseases Society of America http://www.idsociety.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Public Health Association https://www.cpha.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Cryptosporidiosis. New York Department of Health website. Available at:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/cryptosporidiosis/fact_sheet.htm. Updated September 2016. Accessed May 29, 2018. Parasites—cryptosporidium (also known as crypto). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto. Updated January 12, 2017. Accessed May 29, 2018.
Foodborne illnesses. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905770/Foodborne-illnesses
. Updated May 23, 2018. Accessed May 29, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 5/29/2018 |
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