How to identify and treat cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis or cryptosporidiasis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium sp ., Which can be found in the environment, in the form of an oocyst, or parasitizing people's gastrointestinal system, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, for example.

The main disease causing species in humans is Cryptosporidium hominis , whereas in animals it is more frequent to observe infection by Cryptosporidium parvum, but it can also infect humans. However, both species are very similar, being differentiated only by molecular tests.

Cryptosporidiosis can be diagnosed by parasitological stool examination or gastric villus biopsy, and should be recommended by the general practitioner or gastroenterologist according to the symptoms presented by the person.

Cryptosporidium oocyst

Main symptoms

Cryptosporidium is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, but it can also spread throughout the body and be present in the lungs, esophagus, pharynx, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts. Thus, the main symptoms related to infection by this parasite are:

• Watery or mucous diarrhea; Malabsorption syndrome, as there is atrophy of the intestinal villi, which decreases the nutrient absorption surface; Joint pain; Abdominal pain; Weight loss; Headache; Eye pain; Nausea and vomiting; Low fever; Dehydration.

Symptoms last an average of 10 days and may vary according to age, the person's immune competence and the occurrence of other infections. Thus, children and people who have a more compromised immune system, such as those with the HIV virus, are more likely to be infected with Cryptosporidium sp .

How transmission occurs

Cryptosporidium infection can occur through direct contact with infected people, and it is common to happen in environments with a high concentration of people, such as day care centers and hospitals, for example, or through sexual contact, although the latter form is more rare. In addition, the infection can also occur through contact with animals that are eliminating oocysts through feces.

Infection with this parasite can also occur through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces containing Cryptosporidium oocysts. The transmission of this parasite can also happen due to the use of poorly sanitized swimming pools or bathtubs or the remains of human feces, this form of transmission being more frequent in those who frequent public pools with poor maintenance conditions. See other diseases that can be acquired in the pool or bathtub.

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most frequent parasitic infections in a hospital environment due to the fact that it is an opportunistic parasite, with more frequent involvement of people with the weakest immune system. In addition, the life cycle of this parasite is simple and short, a small amount of this parasite is capable of causing disease and there is release of mature structures, which favors cases of self-infection.

Life cycle

The life cycle of Cryptosporidium is short, lasting an average of 2 to 7 days. Oocysts enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through contact with infected people or contaminated environments. In the body, the oocyst releases sporozoites, which parasitize the gastrointestinal tract or other tissues, such as the respiratory system, for example.

Then, the parasite multiplies and matures, producing two types of oocysts: one with a thicker wall, which is normally released through the feces, allowing the cycle to restart, and another with a thinner wall, which it is usually related to autoinfection.

Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis

The diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is made by searching for oocysts in the stool through parasitological examination, or by searching for oocysts in intestinal biopsy material or scraped mucosa.

How the treatment is done

Treatment for cryptosporidiosis is done with the aim of relieving symptoms, especially diarrhea and dehydration, by replacing fluids, for example, as the drugs for this disease are still in the testing phase.

To prevent infection by this parasite, it is important to adopt prophylactic measures, such as sanitizing food before preparing or consuming it, special care for personal hygiene and with the objects used, in addition to avoiding contact with infected people. It is also important to wash your hands before cooking, eating and after going to the bathroom. Here's how to wash your hands properly to avoid infections.