Project name: Cryptosporidium hominis

Description: Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium species cause gastroenteritis and diarrheal diseases in humans and animals. Infection is through ingestion of oocysts which are shed into the environment during the course of the disease. Outbreaks of the infection are most common in North America in the early spring months when run-off from agricultural areas increase the levels of Cryptosporidium sp. in the water supply. In the rest of the world, Cryptosporidium sp. infections are prevalent in the majority of tropical countries.Cryptosporidium hominis. Cryptosporidium hominis is the dominant species which infects humans. Although generally self-limiting, this disease can cause fatalities in children and immunocompromised adults. There is no effective treatment or a vaccine against cryptosporidiosis.

Last updated: 2004-11-19