CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS
Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by a tiny, one-celled cryptosporidium parasite.
- When the parasite enters the body, they travel to the small intestine and then burrows into the walls of the intestine. Later, they are pass in the stool.
- This means that the virus lives in the intestine of infected humans or animal before they are shed in the stool.
- The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for a long time, and also makes it resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants.
- The parasite is found everywhere in the world.
- Crypto has been recognized as one of the most prevalent causes of waterborne disease (recreational and drinking water) in humans.
- Cryptosporidiosis affects both healthy people and people with a weakened immune system, although in those with a weakened immune system the condition can become life-threatening if left untreated.
CAUSES
A person can become infected with cryptosporidium after coming in contact with the feces of an infected person.
Method of infection include:
- Drinking water contaminated with the parasite.
- Swimming in contaminated water and accidentally swallowing some of it. Anywhere people congregate in water such as swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, and even the ocean can contain the parasite.
- Eating uncooked contaminated food.
- Putting your hand or any object that has touched the stool of an infected person or animal in your mouth.
- Having close contact with infected people or animals, especially their feces.
The following groups have a higher risk of being exposed:
- Child care workers
- International travelers, especially those traveling to developing countries.
- People, especially swimmers, who swallow water from contaminated sources such as pools, lakes, and rivers
- Parent of infected children
- Animal handlers
- People who drink water from shallow, unprotected wells
- Backpackers, campers, hikers who drink untreated, unfiltered water
SYMPTOMS
- Watery diarrhea
- fever
- dehydration
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
symptoms begin within a week of infection and can last for 2 weeks
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out the following test:
Acid-staining test which identifies the cryptosporidium parasite under a microscope. The doctor may use a stool sample, or in some cases, take a biopsy (tissue sample) from your intestine to obtain cells for the analysis. The acid-staining test is the simplest way to diagnose cryptosporidiosis.
A standard stool culture may also be ordered.
Once it is clear that you have the infection, further testing may be carried out to check the development of serious complications. This may include checking liver and bladder function to determine if the infection has spread, a T-cell count to measure the level of a certain white blood cell in people with AIDS.
TREATMENT
In healthy people, the condition resolves on its own within two weeks.
For people with a weakened immune system, the condition can lead to severe malnutrition. The aim of treatment is to get rid of symptom and boost your immune response.
Treatment options may include:
- anti-parasitic drugs
- fluid replacement
- antiretroviral therapies for people with HIV/AIDS
To prevent the infection, practice good hygiene and don’t drink unfiltered water.