Cryptosporidiosis

Description

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and occasionally other species of Cryptosporidium. It is transmitted by ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water, including water swallowed while swimming; by exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces; and by the fecal-oral route from person to person (e.g., while changing diapers, caring for an infected person, or engaging in certain sexual behaviors).

Occurrence

Cryptosporidiosis occurs worldwide.

Risk for Travelers

For travelers to resource-poor countries, risk of infection is highest for those with the greatest exposure to potentially contaminated food or water.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. In immunocompetent persons, symptoms last an average of 6–10 days but can last up to several weeks. In persons with severely weakened immune systems, cryptosporidiosis can become chronic and can be fatal.

Prevention

No vaccine is available. To avoid contracting cryptosporidiosis, travelers should be advised to follow the precautions described in the section Risks from Food and Drink. Cryptosporidiosis is poorly inactivated by chlorine or iodine disinfection. Water can be treated effectively by boiling or filtration with an absolute 1-micron filter. Specific information on preventing cryptosporidiosis through filtration can be found in “Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water” at URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm.

Treatment

Nitaxozanide suspension (Alinia, Romark Laboratories) was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of cryptosporidiosis in children. Travelers should be advised to consult with an infectious disease specialist.

— Caryn Bern