Medical Diseases List

Cryptosporidiosis - Cryptosporidiosis Symptom, Causes, Treatment

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

An intestinal infection caused by single-cell parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidiosis is believed to occur in most vertebrates, including birds, fish and reptiles, and isfound world wide. The species C.parvum has been linked with diarrhoeal
illness in humans and domestic animals, especially calves and lambs. Cryptosporidiosis is caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a microscopic one-celled parasite that can live in the intestines of humans, farm animals, wild animals, and pets.

Cryptosporidia live in the small intestine and infected animals pass fertilised eggs, calld oocysts, in their faeces. The oocysts are hardy and can su-vive in the environment for weeks or months. They are resistant to chlorination and other chemical disinfectants used for drinking water, but are killed by boiling and can be largely removed by filtration.

Cryptosporidiosis parasites are passed in the stool of infected persons and animals. People get cryptosporidiosis when they swallow the parasites. Sources of disease include parasite-containing stool, food, and water. Water or food contaminated by oocysts passes on the infection, which may also result from contact with infected animals or people. Young children, overseas travellers, male homosexuals and people caring for those with cryptosporidiosis are most likely to be infected.

Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis

The illness begins abruptly with watery diarrhoea, often accompanied by abdomnal cramps, nausea, vomiting and mild fever. The major symptoms are abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea. Less commonly, there are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and low grade fever. These may lead to weight loss and dehydration. Symptoms generally persist for 5 to 10 days before subsiding quickly. They are generally more severe and prolonged in people with immuno deficiency, and relapses are common. The incubation period for cryptosporidiosis ranges from two to 12 days and averages about seven days.

Diagnosis and Treament of Cryptosporidiosis

The diagnosis is confirmed if cryptosporidial oocysts are found in the faeces of people with diarrhoea. Cryptosporidiosis is diagnosed in a laboratory by examining a stool sample for oocysts. A health-care worker who suspects cryptosporidiosis must specifically order testing for Cryptosporidium, since routine tests do not test for this parasite. There is no specific treatment. Rest and measures to maintain adequate fluid, and salt balance should be continued until the diarrhoea stops. Patients with cryptosporidiosis should drink extra fluids and/or oral rehydration therapy liquid to avoid dehydration. Supportive care via fluid and electrolyte replacement is essential.

Prevention of Cryptosporidiosis

Infection can be prevented by boiling any drinking water that has not been through town water supply filtration processes and the risk can be reduced by handling and disposing of human or animal faeces carefully., and washing hands thoroughly before eating preparing food that will not be subsequently cooked. Infected people should not handle fill intended for others, and infected infants shouldnot attend day-care or preschool centres until at Ieast 24 hours after all symptoms have stopped.

Some prevention tips:

1. Avoid water or food that may be contaminated, including unpasteurized milk. Do not drink water directly from streams, lakes, springs or any unknown source. If you suspect your drinking water is unsafe, bring it to a rolling boil for one minute prior to using.

2. Always wash hands with soap and water:

After using the toilet or changing diapers
Before handling food
After handling stools from animals
After gardening or other direct contact with soil

3. If you work in a child-care center where you change children's diapers, wash hands properly between each child. If you use gloves, change gloves between each child.

4. If you take care of cryptosporidiosis patients, wash hands after bathing patients, emptying bedpans, changing soiled linen, or otherwise coming in contact with the patients' stools.

5. If you have cryptosporidiosis, wash your hands often to prevent spreading the disease to other members of your household.

6. Persons with diarrhea should not use public swimming facilities.

Bookmark This Page:

Medical Diseases List

Disclaimer : All information on www.medical-diseases.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.