What is cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite protozoan that can live in the intestine of humans and animals. Outside the host body, the protozoan becomes a cyst, very much like a seed, with a tough outer coating that is resistant to disinfection. Once swallowed, the protozoan emerges form the cysts, multiplies, and may cause the disease cryposporidiosis. In people with normal immune systems, this disease causes diarrhea and cramping for up to two weeks. Persons with compromised immune systems, such as people with AIDS or very young children, are at serious risk from this disease. Cryptosporidium is not present in all source water. Cryptosporidium has been linked to source water where domestic animals such as cattle have direct access to the water or are in the water shed. Filtration and disinfection remove the majority of cysts. Outbreaks of Cryptosporidium from drinking water are rare. If you think you are infected, you should see a doctor. Also, drinking water is not the only vector for this diseas
Cryptosporidium is a one-celled parasite that can cause a gastrointestinal illness called cryptosporidiosis. The parasite is commonly found in lakes and rivers, especially when the water is contaminated with sewage and animal wastes. Cryptosporidium is very resistant to disinfection, and in many cases even a well-operated water treatment system cannot ensure that drinking water will be completely free of this parasite. For more information about cryptosporidium outbreaks in your area and other potential pathogens, contact your loacal health department.
Cryptosporidium Parvum is predominately a parasite of neonate animals, infecting the digestive tract of man and other warm-blooded animals, transmitting the disease to humans who drink contaminated water. The infection can be then transmitted from person to person, through ingestion of contaminated water, food, or contaminated environmental surfaces. When humans get infected with cryptosporidium symptoms may appear within 2-10 days and the symptoms are the same as from the Giardia.
