What is Microbiology - Cryptosporidium Parvum Infection

​Cryptosporidium Parvum Infection 

Cryptosporidium parvum is a form of protozoa which can be diagnosed via direct microscopic examination of the fecal smears to detect for the acid fast oocysts. 

Other form of diagnosis may include fecal antigen test. 

Cryptosporidium parvum may lead to watery diarrhea. In worst case scenario ( immunocompromised patient ) patient may present with wasting, electrolytes imbalance and malnutrition  due to massive loss of fluid. 

The mode of transmission may include oral anal route or fecal oral route and ingestion of oocyst contaminated water.

The sporozoites will develop form the oocyst which attached to the jejunum epithelial cells. Trophozoites will form and divide to from merozoites. Merozoites develop into gametocytes. 

Oocysts from fertilized zygotes will be excretion in the stool.

The treatment may include paromomycin and fluid replacement.