Cryptosporidiosis in man and its zoonotic importance

Abstract

The protozoan Cı)'jJtosporidiıım (family Cı]ptosporiidae) was lint described by Ty;:.<.crin 1907 in the stomach oj the laboratory mice. ThC)' have been detected main/y in the gastro-intestinal tract ~f several vertebrates (reptils, mıian and mammals inefuding man). Cı)'ptosporidia are non-host-specijic parasites capable of inducing dianhea itı several spl'cies of animal and in man. Transmission ~f Cr]ptosporidia occurs by tlze ingestion of oocpts. Ooeysts of hııman and animal origin are morpllOlogical/y indistingııishable. Cı)ptosporidiosis is a zoonose and infected or subclinicall)- infected animals should be regarded as potential caniers of the organism. Hort'ever, people without animal contacts can exposure Cı)ptosporidia by direct transmission (oral-anal contact, !ike in the homosexuel communiu) or indirect transmission (fecally contaminated em,iromental smjaces, food and water). The ae/ual prevalance and the signijicance of cıyptosporidiosis in the human population are unknown, but recent studies demonstrated that Cıyptosporidium is not uncommon calise ~f man dianhea