title: The evolution of respiratory Cryptosporidiosis: evidence for transmission by inhalation.
abstract: The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium infects all major vertebrate groups and causes significant diarrhea in humans, with a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Children and immunodeficient individuals are disproportionately affected, especially in developing countries, where cryptosporidiosis contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality in preschool-age children. Despite the enormous disease burden from cryptosporidiosis, no antiprotozoal agent or vaccine exists for effective treatment or prevention. Cryptosporidiosis involving the respiratory tract has been described for avian species and mammals, including immunocompromised humans. Recent evidence indicates that respiratory cryptosporidiosis may occur commonly in immunocompetent children with cryptosporidial diarrhea and unexplained cough. Findings from animal models, human case reports, and a few epidemiological studies suggest that Cryptosporidium may be transmitted via respiratory secretions, in addition to the more recognized fecal-oral route. It is postulated that transmission of Cryptosporidium oocysts may occur by inhalation of aerosolized droplets or by contact with fomites contaminated by coughing. Delineating the role of the respiratory tract in disease transmission may provide necessary evidence to establish further guidelines for prevention of cryptosporidiosis.
authors: Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: Jerlyn K
authors: JK
authors: Sponseller
authors: Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: Jeffrey K
authors: JK
authors: Griffiths
authors: Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA saul.tzipori@tufts.edu.
authors: Saul
authors: S
authors: Tzipori
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation