Cryptosporidiosis: epidemiology and impact.
Cryptosporidium was first recognized in humans in 1976 and came to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a cause of severe diarrheal illness in patients with AIDS. Its hardy, chlorine-resistant oocysts, tiny size, low infectious dose, fully infectious development when shed and zoonotic potential make it a threat in drinking and recreational water, contaminated food, day care centers, hospitals, and in persons with exposure to animals or unsanitary conditions, with potentially huge, long-term impact in malnourished children, as reviewed herein.
Dillingham
Rebecca A
RA
Division of Geographic and International Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1379, USA.
Lima
Aldo A
AA
Guerrant
Richard L
RL
D000818:Animals; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000502:physiology*; D004199:Disease Vectors; D005516:Food Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000469:parasitology; D012621:Seasons; D014871:Water Microbiology