Neglected Parasite of Rats and Mice: Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important zoonotic intestinal pathogen that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and trigger the hosts immune response. Cryptosporidium species can infect humans and more than 260 animal species, including 54 rodent species. This review provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches and prevention strategies for disease control of Cryptosporidium species infecting rats and mice. The pathological effects of the known pathogenic species C. muris and C. parvum and their role in rats and mice are discussed. The importance of prevention methods such as hygiene measures and biological safety practices are emphasized to control the disease. Cryptosporidiosis poses a serious threat to both animal health and public health and therefore the development of effective prevention strategies is essential.