Key concepts of cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis refers to a parasitic disease. The first case of cryptosporidiosis was reported in 1972, but only up to 1976 F.A. Nime, J.D. Burek and others made a formal description of it. Since then, studies have increased in this regard, since it is considered an emerging disease
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This evil affects both humans, as well as other animal species, including birds of habitual consumption. It was during the 70's when it was proven that cryptosporidiosis could lead to the death of AIDS patients. This aroused the attention of the experts.
However, the real wave of studies on this disease occurred from 1993. In that year there was an outbreak in Wisconsin (USA) and this alerted society and governments about the serious potential danger of cryptosporidiosis
Currently, an important amount of data and knowledge about the disease has been collected. In this regard, there are some concepts that are of particular relevance and that we expose next.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite
Parasite to the microscope
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite that requires the cells of the human body to complete its biological cycle.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium. So far 22 species of it have been described, but nowadays it is considered that in reality they are only 13.
It has been established that the parasite penetrates the intestinal cells of the host, but the exact mechanisms used to invade them are still unknown. What is known is that you do not need to invade the cells to complete your biological cycle.
When the oocysts of the parasite inhabit an organism, they gradually begin to invade the epithelial cells of the small intestine or the respiratory tree. Then they initiate successive phases of asexual and sexual reproduction. Then they are evacuated through the stool and from there the infection can occur.
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Cryptosporidiosis spreads easily
The parasite can infect a wide variety of mammals, including calves, piglets, etc. In humans, the contagion occurs from person to person or from animal to person by oral-fecal route. At a massive level, the contagion occurs through contaminated water.
Cryptosporidiosis is transmitted basically through animal or human feces. These stools are carriers of the oocysts. These, in turn, contaminate food and water. The evidence indicates that oocysts are extraordinarily resistant to the usual methods of water purification.
The contagion potential is very high, mainly when it occurs through contaminated water. In the outbreak of Wiconsin, 400,000 people were infected. In turn, a study prepared in the United States indicated that the parasite is in 90% of wastewater, 75% of river water and 28% of drinking water.
The immune response is variable
Recreation blood cells
In immunocompetent organisms, this infection can easily be overcome.
Immunocompetent organisms, that is, those in which the immune system is fully functional, are not severely affected by cryptosporidiosis. They respond adequately and leave a solid immunity against reinfection.
On the other hand, if the patient has lymphocytic or gammaglobulin deficiencies, he can suffer serious or chronic infections. Age and nutritional status also influence. The most serious cases usually occur in children under 2 years of age. Diarrhea derived from cryptosporidiosis is a very serious problem in AIDS patients.
The specialized diagnosis is the most reliable
Routine tests for the examination of stools are often unreliable for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. This is because oocyst expulsion is intermittent and several fecal samples would be needed to corroborate its presence.

The most appropriate is to apply specialized techniques for the microscopic examination of feces. These include phase contrast microscopy or staining, using techniques such as Ziehl-Neelsen or Kinyoun. Immunofluorescent microscopy is also used.
Likewise, it is pertinent to perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the antigen of Cryptosporidium in faeces. Occasionally, intestinal biopsy is also used to establish the diagnosis.
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The best prevention measure to avoid cryptosporidiosis is washing hands with running water and soap. This action must be carried out when preparing food, before eating, when arriving at the home after having gone out to the street, after urination or defecation and after being in contact with animals.
Avoid contact with human or animal feces, or extreme hygiene if necessary. It is also important to avoid the consumption of non-potable water. The maintenance of hygienic measures is essential.

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