Cryptosporidiosis: A mini review

Cryptosporidium spp. was first described in mice in 1907. The first human case was reported in an acquired immune deficiency syndrome patient after which it gained importance. It is one of the emerging protozoan parasites according to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention. The special structure which is present in them such as rhoptries and micronemes are responsible for their virulence and pathogenicity. They can be transmitted from animals, human to human, water, food, and tends to cause waterborne outbreaks. The clinical manifestation in immunocompetent patient is self-limiting when compared to immunocompromised individual where it causes chronic diarrhea not responding to treatment. Hence, it is necessary to diagnose them early to prevent any complication in these patients. There are many investigations currently available such as stool microscopy after Sheather's concentration technique, rapid test targeting specific antigen, molecular methods, and imaging techniques.