Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis. It has a life cycle involving an infective oocyst stage that is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Infection results in watery diarrhea that can last 1-2 weeks. Diagnosis is made by identifying oocysts in stool samples microscopically or through antigen testing. Treatment focuses on rehydration though some drugs may help reduce symptoms. Prevention involves proper hygiene and water treatment.

1. CRYPTOSPORIDI
UM PARVUM
PARASITOLOGY 1
BY
TREVOR AFANYU NFOR

2. OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
• MORPHOLOGY
• LIFE CYCLE
• HABITAT AND
TRANSMISSION
• EPIDEMIOLOGY
• PATHOLOGY
• CLINICAL FINDINGS
• LAB DIAGNOSIS
• TREATMENT
• PREVENTION
• CONTROL

3. INTRODUCION
Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan parasite.
 All apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites and have an apical complex and
elongated shape
APICAL COMPLEX
• Micronemes
• Rhoptries
• Polar rings

4. 3 Distinct processes of Apicomplexan Life
Cycle
Sporogony-asexual reproductive phase
Gamogony/gametogony-sexual phase
Female gametes + Male gametes = ookinete/sporoblast
Merogony-asexual reproduction;
cellular products are called merozoites.

5. The two most common species of medical importance are the C. homonis
(genotype I) and the C. parvum (genotype II).
Cryptosporidium parvum causes a diarrhea disease called Cryptosporidiosis
which is more sever in immune-compromised individuals.
Both the disease and parasite are commonly known as “Crypto” and is
considered the most important water-borne pathogen in developed
countries
INTRODUCION

6. OOCYST
o Measures about 5 × 7 µm
o Thick double wall, makes it resistant to chlorine, drying,
progressive freezing and salt water.
o Ovular shape with smooth surface
o Has a cleft that allows for excystation.
MORPHOLOGY

7. SPOROZOITE
o Measures about 5 × 0.5 µm
o Rough surface with pointed apical region and rounded posterior
end.
MORPHOLOGY

8. TROPHOZIOTE
o Measures between 1 and 2.5µm in length.
o Smooth surface and hood-like shape.
Type I Meronts
Type II Meronts
• Microgametes
• Macrogametes
MORPHOLOGY

9. Crypto begins its life cycle as sporulated oocysts (1) which enter
the environment through the feces of the infected host.
The infective oocysts reside in food and water (2).
Infection occurs when the oocysts are ingested by a suitable host
(3)
LIFE CYCLE

12. Swallowing pool water that has been contaminated with the
parasite
In contaminated food or drink (called heteroinfection).
By fecal-oral route (hand to mouth) in already infected patient (
called external autoinfection).
o By touching your mouth after touching the stool of infected persons or
animals or touching soil or objects contaminated with stool.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION

13. Cryptosporidia causes diarrhea world wide. (one of the leading cause in children<5 years)
Large outbreaks of crypto in several areas is due to inadequate
purification of drinking water.
Other outbreak are related to swimming in fecally contaminated pools
and lakes (contaminated with cyst)
Cyst are highly resistant to chlorination but are killed by
pasteurization and can be removed by filtration
EPIDEMIOLOGY

14. • The oocyst excyst in the small intestine, where the
trophozoite (and other forms) attach to the gut walls
• Invasion does not occur
• The Jejunum is the most heavily infected site
• No toxins have been identified.
PATHOLOGY

15. • Increased intestinal secretion of sodium and chloride, inhibits
water absorption
• Epithelial cells damaged by:
• Parasite invasion and multiplication
• May produce up to 10-20 liters of watery stools per day
PATHOLOGY

16. • First signs usually manifest within a week of infection;
• Watery diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

17. • Nausea
• Vomiting
• Symptoms may last for up to: 1-14 days, though they may come
and go sporadically for up to a month, even in people with
healthy immune systems (though self-limited)
• Some people with cryptosporidium infection may have no
symptoms (Reservoir host)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

18. • Specimen: Stool
• Microscopy: Diagnosis is made by finding cyst in fecal smear using
Kinyoun acid fast stain (aniline dye, basic fuchsin that stains all cells
present Red
• A test for cryptosporidium antigen may also be useful.
• PCR testing
• Multiplex NAAT Testing
LABORATY DIAGNOSIS

19. • Nitazoxanide (500mm PO TID for 3 – 4days) has been FDA-approved for
treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium (for patients not infected
with HIV)
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Paromomycin, may reduce the symptoms of crypto
• No specific therapy for immunocompromised patients
TREATMENT

20. • No vaccine
• Purification of water by boiling and microfiltration (removes
resistant cyst)
• Wash hands with running water and soap often especially after
using the toilet, changing diapers, before eating or preparing
food
• Peel and wash fruit and vegetables before consumption
PREVENTION

21. • Most effective control method is to practice good hygiene
(Wash hands regularly with soap and running water)
• Avoid recreation waters
• Avoid contaminating surfaces, food, and water which would
act as source of infection (hetero and auto infection)
CONTROL

22. THANK YOU
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER