Cryptosporidiosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite called Cryptosporidium. When it enters the body, these germs travel to the small intestine and dig into the intestinal walls. Then, the germs will be excreted through the feces.
In most healthy people, cryptosporidium infection will cause watery diarrhea for one to two weeks, before the infection eventually goes away on its own. However, in people with low immune systems, cryptosporidium infection can become a life-threatening disease if not treated properly.
Prevention of cryptosporidium infection can be done by practicing good hygiene and avoiding swallowing water from swimming pools, playgrounds, lakes or rivers.
Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of cryptosporidium infection generally appear about a week after a person is infected, and can include:
- watery diarrhea
- Lack of fluids in the body or dehydration
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramps or pain in the stomach
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Vomiting
Signs and symptoms may last up to two weeks, although they may disappear and appear sporadically for up to one month, even in people with a good immune system. Sometimes, people with cryptosporidium infections may have no signs or symptoms.
Reason
Cryptosporidiosis begins when a person ingests a single-celled parasite known as cryptosporidium. Certain types of cryptosporidium can cause more serious health conditions.
The parasite travels through the digestive tract into the small intestine and then burrows into the wall of the intestine. Then, the parasite multiplies and is excreted from the body through the feces, which can transmit this condition to the next person.
A person can become infected with cryptosporidia by touching anything that has been in contact with contaminated feces. Such methods of infection include:
- Consuming contaminated water containing the cryptosporidium parasite
- Swim in water contaminated with the cryptosporidium parasite and accidentally swallow it
- Eating undercooked food contaminated with cryptosporidia
- Touching hands to mouth after contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
- Having close contact with infected people or animals, especially with feces, which can facilitate the hand-to-mouth transmission of the parasite
A person with a weakened immune system due to infection with the HIV virus has a higher tendency to experience cryptosporidium infection compared to someone who has a healthy immune system. People with HIV/AIDS can show severe signs and symptoms and experience chronic and persistent cryptosporidiosis infections, making it difficult to treat.
Diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis can be determined based on the results of medical interviews, direct physical examinations, and certain supporting examinations.
Several investigations that can be performed to determine the diagnosis of cryptosporidium infection are:
- Acid resistance test check. One of the simplest ways to diagnose cryptosporidium infection is with a method known as the acid-fast test, which is used to identify cryptosporidium under a microscope.
To obtain cells for further analysis, the doctor may ask the patient to take a stool sample for evaluation in the laboratory.
- Stool culture. The doctor may also recommend a standard stool culture. Although it cannot detect the presence of cryptosporidium parasites directly, this examination can help rule out the presence of other bacterial pathogens.
- Other checks. If it can be concluded that the infection experienced is caused by the cryptosporidium parasite, then further investigations can be carried out to evaluate for serious complications. For example, liver and gallbladder function tests may be performed to determine whether the infection has spread.
In people with AIDS and cryptosporidiosis, the T-cell count, which measures the number of white blood cells that are part of the immune system, can predict how long cryptosporidiosis has occurred. A T cell count below 100 cells per microliter means that a person is more likely to develop complications.
Treatment
Recovery from cryptosporidiosis generally depends on the health of the immune system. Most healthy people recover within two weeks without specific treatment.
In people with a weakened immune system, the disease can last a long time and cause malnutrition. The goal of treatment is to treat symptoms and improve the immune system’s response.
Treatment options for cryptosporidiosis that doctors can prescribe include:
- Antiparasitic treatment. Antiparasitic treatment can relieve diarrhea by attacking the metabolic process of the cryptosporidium organism.
- Antimotility treatment. This class of medication slows the movement of the intestines and increases fluid absorption to treat diarrhea and make stool consistency normal again.
- Fluid replacement. Fluid and mineral replacement may be needed, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium in oral or intravenous (through the vein) forms, to maintain the balance of fluids in the body that are lost due to persistent diarrhea. These things can keep the body hydrated and functioning properly.
- Antiretroviral treatment. In people with HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral medication may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve the immune system’s response.
Prevention
Some things that can be done to prevent the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis are:
- Washing hands regularly with running water and soap, especially before and after eating, using toilet facilities, and so on
- Avoid swimming in unclean water
- Eat food that has been cooked well
- Do not touch hands to mouth after contact with dirty objects or surfaces