Cryptosporidium+(Cryptosporidium+sp.)

ï»¿Cryptosporidium  Where is this crazy Parasite?? Food, Water, Soil, and surfaces that have been contaminated by feces from infected humans or animals.

How do you get it?? Ingesting things that have come in contact with the infection Ingesting water that is contamminated Ingesting contamminated food Or by touching you mouth with contamminated hands

Basically, if anything that is infected comes in contact with your mouth, you will in turn become infected.

How does this life cycle work?? Dormancyï»¿-parasite changes into cysts: oocytes ï»¿ Once these dormant parasites find the favorable environment of the inside of an animal's intestinesï»¿, they settle, and invade the lining. This invasion results in infection and inflammation. ï»¿

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** How is cryptosporidiosis treated? ** **ï»¿** There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. However, some patients may respond to certain antibiotics. Oral liquids or intravenous fluids are sometimes necessary if dehydration occurs. Anti-diarrheal drugs which reduce the motion of the intestines may provide some temporary improvement. Patients with cryptosporidiosis should obtain nutritional counseling through their health care provider to discuss their diet and how best to minimize the symptoms of their diarrhea

In some cases, symptoms may be releived with the use of antibiotics.

** How can I avoid getting and transmitting cryptosporidiosis? ** You can minimize the chances of acquiring and spreading the infection by thoroughly washing your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers or coming into contact with fecal material in any way. Because cattle are a common source of // Cryptosporidium //, do not drink raw milk and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after contact with cattle or other farm animals. Avoid drinking untreated and inadequately filtered surface water when camping or when traveling in developing countries. Comply with any water advisory issued by local and state authorities.



Editors: Kursti Ropp, Taylor Carney, and Carolyn Johnson