Cryptosporidium
Genus of single-celled organisms / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Cryptosporidium, sometimes called crypto, is an apicomplexan genus of alveolates which are parasites that can cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness (cryptosporidiosis) that primarily involves watery diarrhea (intestinal cryptosporidiosis), sometimes with a persistent cough (respiratory cryptosporidiosis).[1][2]
This article is missing information about effects of Cryptosporidium infection on groups of animals other than mammals. (August 2023) |
Cryptosporidium | |
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Oocysts of C. muris found in human feces | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
Clade: | SAR |
Clade: | Alveolata |
Phylum: | Apicomplexa |
Class: | Conoidasida |
Order: | Eucoccidiorida |
Suborder: | Eimeriorina |
Family: | Cryptosporidiidae |
Genus: | Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1907 |
Species | |
See § Species |
Treatment of gastrointestinal infection in humans involves fluid rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and management of any pain. For cryptosporidiosis, supportive treatment and symptom management are the primary treatments for immunocompetent individuals.[3] Anti-diarrheal medication may be effective in slowing the rate of diarrhea, including Loperamide. Nitazoxanide is the only drug approved for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent persons.[4] Supplemental zinc may improve symptoms,[5] particularly in recurrent or persistent infections or in others at risk for zinc deficiency. Cryptosporidium oocysts are 4–6 μm in diameter and exhibit partial acid-fast staining. They must be differentiated from other partially acid-fast organisms including Cyclospora cayetanensis.