Cryptosporidium parvuum Flashcards
Is cryptosporidium parvuum zoonotic?
Yes
What hosts cryptosporidium parvuum
Wide range of animals however most common are cow (bovine), dog, and human.
What is the mode of transmission for cryptosporidium parvuum?
Fecal-oral by ingestion of oocytes with sporozoites from contaminated water
What is the definition of a sporozoite?
the motile, infective stage of certain protozoa that results from sporogony.
Describe the life cycle of cryptosporidium parvuum
Oocytes are excreted in feces which contaminate water supply. Oocytes are consumed, multiply in enterocytes in small intestines at intestinal brush boarder.
What are the clinical features of cryptosporidium parvuum?
- 1-2 weeks (PPP)
- EXPLOSIVE, watery DIARRHEA - brown/green color; 2-10 X per day
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Describe cryptosporidium parvuum infection in immunocompromised individuals.
Self limiting and causes Chronic Diarrhea in large volumes (5 liters/day).
Villous atrophy
Life threatening
What is the treatment for cryptosporidium parvuum?
None except supportive therapy
Can a patient infected with cryptosporidium parvuum be given anti-diarrheal medication?
No, because it facilitates autoinfection by thin walled oocytes
(basically the oocytes are not able to get out and therefore multiply in intestines)
What is the major waterborne outbreak for cryptosporidium parvuum?
Milwaukee - 2 years after outbreak, 50% of AIDS patients died.
How is cryptosporidium parvuum diagnosed?
Oocysts in stool via Ziehl-Neelsen stain;
ELISA (Ag test)
How is cryptosporidium parvuum controlled?
Boiling or filtering water
Chlorine is ineffective
