Cryptosporidiosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Cryptosporidiosis is a [[parasitic disease]] affecting the [[intestine]]s of [[mammal]]s that is caused by [[Cryptosporidium]], a [[protozoa]]n [[parasite]] in the phylum [[Apicomplexa]]. It is a disease spread through the [[fecal-oral route]]; the main symptom is self-limiting [[diarrhea]] in people with intact immune system. In immunocompromised individuals, such as [[AIDS]] patients, infection can cause permanent & life-threatening diarrhea. Despite not being identified until 1976 it is one of the most common waterborne diseases and is found worldwide. | |||
==Causes== | |||
A number of species of Cryptosporidium infect mammals. In humans the main causes of disease are [[Cryptosporidium parvum|C. parvum]] and C. hominis (previously C. parvum genotype 1). C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, and C. muris can also cause disease in humans. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:25, 26 December 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Cryptosporidiosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Cryptosporidiosis overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cryptosporidiosis overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Cryptosporidiosis overview |
Overview
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease affecting the intestines of mammals that is caused by Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. It is a disease spread through the fecal-oral route; the main symptom is self-limiting diarrhea in people with intact immune system. In immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients, infection can cause permanent & life-threatening diarrhea. Despite not being identified until 1976 it is one of the most common waterborne diseases and is found worldwide.
Causes
A number of species of Cryptosporidium infect mammals. In humans the main causes of disease are C. parvum and C. hominis (previously C. parvum genotype 1). C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, and C. muris can also cause disease in humans.