A One Health Approach to Tackle Cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a significant diarrhoeal disease in both people and animals across the world and is caused by several species of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. Recent research has highlighted the longer-term consequences of the disease for malnourished children, involving growth stunting and cognitive deficits, and significant growth and production losses for livestock. There are no vaccines currently available to prevent the disease and few treatment options in either humans or animals, which has been a significant limiting factor in disease control to date. A One Health approach to tackle zoonotic cryptosporidiosis looking at new advances in veterinary, public, and environmental health research may offer several advantages and new options to help control the disease.

Keywords: One Health; cryptosporidiosis; environment; public; veterinary.

Figure 1

Key Figure. Main Zoonotic Sources and Transmission Pathways of Cryptosporidium Parasites. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium parasites are transmitted from livestock and wildlife through long-lived oocysts in their faeces, which can contaminate the environment, water, and food, producing a source of infection to people.

Figure 2

Interventions to Reduce the Impact of Cryptosporidiosis in Cattle and Environmental Contamination. Supportive and therapeutic treatments can reduce disease and shedding of oocysts in neonatal calves. Cleaning farm buildings and treating infected manure can reduce contamination of the environment.