Cryptosporidiosis (cryp·to·spo·ri·di·o·sis)
Click on Image to View the Cryptosporidiosis Life Cycle
Cryptosporidiosis is transmitted by the fecal-oral route (for example, swallowing
contaminated recreational/untreated water, eating raw or undercooked contaminated food)
by ingestion of cysts of the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. The usual incubation
period is 2-10 days with typical symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and
low-grade fever; however, asymptomatic infection is also common. The symptoms last up
to 2 weeks in healthy individuals. Those who have a weakened immune system may
experience prolonged illness.
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV/AIDS patients,
cancer patients, transplant patients), young children and pregnant women are at risk
for more severe illness.
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