Complete Information on Cryptosporidiosis

                                                                                         

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidiumparvum. A protozoa infection that usually infects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a disease spread through the fecal-oral route. It is transmitted by ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water, including water swallowed while swimming; by exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces. The most common symptom is diarrhea, which is usually watery. It is often accompanied by abdominal cramping. Nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite may also occur. Some people infected with Cryptosporidium may not become ill.

Symptoms usually occur about a week after exposure, but can begin as soon as one day or as late as 12 days after exposure. Some individuals are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) but are still infective and thus can pass on the infection to others. Even after symptoms have finally subsided that individual is still infective for some weeks. Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but some persons are at increased risk. Some risks include child-care workers and diaper-aged children who attend day-care centers , Persons who take care of infected persons at home or in a group setting, Persons exposed to human stool during contact.

Other risk factor is persons with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and persons with HIV infection. Persons with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and persons with HIV infection. Severe diseases, including pancreatitis, can occur. To reduce your risk of crypto, wash your hands often, avoid water that may be infected, and wash or peel fresh fruits and vegetables before eating. If the water supply is in question, the water can be boiled or carefully filtered before drinking. Fluids need to be replaced with oral contact.

Lactose intolerance is common in cryptosporidiosis, and lactose-containing foods should be avoided. If in a public place, turn off water faucet with a disposable paper towel after drying hands. Avoid practices that can result in hand or mouth exposure to stool. High fat foods should be avoided as they are hard to digest and increase diarrhea. People who have normal immune systems improve without taking antibiotic or antiparasitic medications. Several drug trials with high dose azithromycin look promising. Nitazoxanide tablets are a potentially useful treatment for immunocompetent adults with cryptosporidiosis.

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