infectious diseases
Cryptosporidiosis
Epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiumspecies infect a wide range of animals.Cryptosporidium parvumandC. hominis(formerlyC. parvumgenotype 1) are responsible for most human cases of cryptosporidiosis. Infections byC. felis,C. meleagridis,C. canis, andC. murishave also been reported. Ingesting even a relatively small number of oocyts can result in disease. Infections result from the following: Ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water (often water in public and residential pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, or streams) Direct person-to-person contact Zoonotic spread The disease occurs worldwide. Cryptosporidiosis is responsible for 0.6 to 7.3% of diarrheal illness in countries with modern sanitation systems and an even higher percentage in areas with poor sanitation. In the US from 2009 to 2017, there were 444 reported cryptosporidiosis outbreaks resulting in 7,465 cases in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The number of reported outbreaks increased an average of 13% per year. Leading causes include swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contact with infected cattle, and contact with infected persons in child care settings ( Epidemiology reference ). In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Children, travelers to foreign countries, immunocompromised patients, and medical personnel caring for patients with cryptosporidiosis are at increased risk. Outbreaks have occurred in day care centers. The small number of oocysts required to cause infection, the prolonged excretion of oocysts, the resistance of oocysts to chlorination, and their small size raise concern about swimming pools used by diapered children. Severe, chronic diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis is a problem in patients with Immune system , particularly those who have not received antiretroviral therapy (ART). 1.Gharpure R, Perez A, Miller AD, et al: Cryptosporidiosis Outbreaks—United States, 2009-2017.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep68:568-72, 2019. 