Cryptosporidium
The cryptosporidium parasite is a single-celled organism that infects humans. Symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include:
- Fever.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Weight loss.
The incidence of infection is highest in daycare centres and institutional settings. Cryptosporidium is often spread by contaminated hands, although this can usually be prevented with thorough handwashing.
The use of manure to fertilize salad vegetables is a possible source of infection.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: May 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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