Description

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and occasionally other species of Cryptosporidium. It is transmitted by ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water, including water swallowed while swimming; by exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces; and by the fecal-oral route from person to person (for example, while changing diapers, caring for an infected person, or engaging in certain sexual behaviors). Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. In immunocompetent people, symptoms last an average of 6 to 10 days. In people with severely weakened immune systems, cryptosporidiosis can become chronic and can be fatal.

Occurrence

Cryptosporidiosis occurs worldwide.

Risk for Travelers

For travelers to developing countries, risk of infection is highest for those with the greatest exposure to potentially contaminated food or water.

Preventive Measures

No vaccine is available. To avoid contracting cryptosporidiosis, travelers should be advised to follow the precautions described in Risks From Food and Drink. Cryptosporidiosis is not inactivated by chlorine or iodine disinfection. Water can be treated effectively by boiling, or by filtration using an absolute 1-micron filter. Specific information on preventing cryptosporidiosis through filtration can be found in "Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water" at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm

Treatment

No antiparasitic drug has been found that can shorten the duration of infection. Travelers should be advised to consult with an infectious disease specialist.

© Center for Disease Control

Credits: National Center for Infectious Diseases