Minireview: clinical cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

Cryptosporidium has emerged as an important cause of diarrhoeal illness worldwide, especially amongst young children and patients with immune deficiencies. Usually presenting as a gastro-enteritis-like syndrome, disease ranges in seriousness from mild to severe and signs and symptoms depend on the site of infection, nutritional and immune status of the host, and parasite-related factors. Sources and routes of transmission are multiple, involving both zoonotic and anthroponotic spread, and facilitated by the resistance of the parasite to many commonly used disinfectants. Prevention and control measures are important for the protection of vulnerable groups since treatment options are limited. This review covers the life cycle, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnosis, prevention and management of cryptosporidiosis in humans.