Cryptosporidiosis overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
|
Cryptosporidiosis Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Cryptosporidiosis overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cryptosporidiosis overview |
|
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.
Historical Perspective
Cryptosporidium was first described by Tyzzer in 1910. In the 1970s, it was determined to be a significant cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans. In 1995, the UK had the largest outbreak of cryptosporidia with 575 people falling ill. Recently, outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported in 2005 and 2007 in the UK and the US and have been linked with contaminated water supplies and water recreation parks.[1]In 2017, there was a rise in the cases of cryptosporidiosis in the United States following swimming pool exposure.
Pathophysiology
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.
Differential Diagnosis
Epidemiology and Demographics
Cryptosporidium parasites are found in every region of the United States and throughout the world. Travelers to developing countries may be at greater risk for infection because of poorer water treatment and food sanitation, but cryptosporidiosis occurs worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 748,000 cases of cryptosporidiosis occur each year.
Risk Factors
Screening
Theere are no guidelines for screening for cryptosporidiosis according to United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Cryptosporidiosis causes short term illness in healthy individuals. While in immunocompromized individuals it can cause prolonged diarrhea. Cholangitis, malabsorption, pancreatitis and weight loss are some common complications of cryptosporidiosis.[2]
History and Symptoms
The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are seen 2-10 days after infection. The common manifestations include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Physical Examination
Physical examination findings in cryptosporidiosis include fever, fatigue, weakness, dehydration, hypotension and tachycardia.[2]
Laboratory Findings
Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is made by microscopic identification of the oocysts in stool or tissue with acid-fast staining or direct immunofluorescence.
CT
MRI
Other Diagnostic Studies
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
References
- ↑ Leitch GJ, He Q (2012). "Cryptosporidiosis-an overview". J Biomed Res. 25 (1): 1–16. doi:10.1016/S1674-8301(11)60001-8. PMC 3368497. PMID 22685452.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dabas A, Shah D, Bhatnagar S, Lodha R (2017). "Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in Pediatric Diarrheal Illnesses". Indian Pediatr. 54 (4): 299–309. PMID 28474590.