Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause a gastrointestinal infection called cryptosporidiosis. This infection can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
This parasite is mainly spread by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children and people with weakened immune systems.
Treatment for cryptosporidiosis is guided by a primary care provider, pediatrician, or gastroenterologist. It usually includes supportive measures based on the symptoms present.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are:
-
Watery diarrhea or diarrhea with mucus
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Headache, joint pain, or eye pain
-
Low-grade fever
-
Weight loss
-
Dehydration
According to the CDC, prolonged, frequent, watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis.
Symptoms last an average of 10 days and can vary depending on age, immune system function, and whether other infections are present.
Children and people with a weaker immune system, such as those with HIV, are more likely to become infected with Cryptosporidium.
Confirming a diagnosis
Cryptosporidiosis is diagnosed by a primary care provider, pediatrician, or gastroenterologist based on an evaluation of symptoms, health history, and stool testing.
A stool ova and parasite test can detect oocysts in the stool. Oocysts may also be identified through an intestinal biopsy or mucosal scraping.
How it spreads
The main route of Cryptosporidium transmission is fecal-oral, which can occur through:
-
Drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food
-
Using pools or hot tubs that are not properly cleaned or contain traces of contaminated stool
-
Direct contact with an infected person
-
Contact with animals that are shedding oocysts in their stool
Cryptosporidium infection is more likely to spread in crowded settings, such as daycare centers and hospitals. It can also spread during sexual contact that involves possible exposure to stool, although this is less common.
Treatment options
Treatment for cryptosporidiosis should be guided by a primary care provider, pediatrician, or gastroenterologist. It usually involves supportive measures to help relieve symptoms.
The main treatments for cryptosporidiosis are:
1. Hydration
Drinking more fluids, such as water, soups, unsweetened natural juices, or teas, can help prevent dehydration, especially in children, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system.
An oral rehydration solution can also be prepared to replace the water and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and/or vomiting.
2. Hospitalization
In cases of severe dehydration caused by cryptosporidiosis, hospitalization may be needed to receive fluids and electrolytes through a vein.
3. Rest
Rest can help the body recover from cryptosporidiosis. It is especially important when diarrhea or vomiting causes severe tiredness.
4. Isolation
Isolation is recommended to help prevent Cryptosporidium from spreading to other people.
Children should not go to school, and adults should not go to work, until 24 hours after diarrhea and other symptoms have improved and the infection has cleared. It is also recommended to avoid sexual contact and bathing with other people while recovering.
According to the CDC people diagnosed with Cryptosporidium should also avoid swimming until 2 weeks after diarrhea has completely stopped.
5. Medication
Medication for cryptosporidiosis may be prescribed by a doctor to treat diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, especially in people with a weakened immune system.
The main medication that may be prescribed is nitazoxanide (Alinia), which should be taken at the dose and for the length of treatment recommended by a healthcare provider.
Prevention tips
To prevent an infection with cryptosporidium, it is important to:
-
Wash foods before preparing or eating them
-
Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams
-
Practice good personal hygiene and clean shared or frequently touched objects regularly
-
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of infection, such as diarrhea
-
Avoid swimming in pools that are not properly treated
-
Drink only filtered or boiled water
-
Use barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, to help reduce fecal-oral transmission
It is also important to wash your hands well with water and mild soap before cooking, before eating, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers.