Overview of Cryptosporidium spp.

Abstract Cryptosporidium spp., the causative agent of Cryptosporidiosis, is an obligate intracellular and extracytoplasmic protozoan. Cryptosporidium spp., emerges as a public health problem transmitted by contaminated water and food due to its features such as the widespread occurrence of oocysts in nature, low infective doses, ability to pass through the filters of treatment plants, resistance to disinfectants, and ability to survive in water and soil for months at appropriate humidity and temperature. Transmission to humans usually occurs through the fecal-oral route by ingestion of oocysts. However, endogenous auto-infection can ocur. Respiratory transmission has been reported. Cryptosporidium spp. infections may lead to serious life-threatening clinical conditions in children under two years of age and immunosuppressed patients. In order to prevent water and foodborne cryptosporidiosis outbreaks and protect public health, the causes of Cryptosporidium oocysts contaminating these resources should be determined, necessary precautions should be taken and combat methods should be determined. In this review, information on the life cycle, epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis, protection, and control of Cryptosporidium spp. is presented.