Cryptosporidium and Water: A Review

Infection with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is now recognized to cause acute self-limiting gastroenteritis in immunocompetent human beings, and in certain groups of immunocompromised individuals symptoms can persist indefinitely. There is no effective specific drug treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Transmission of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts via the waterborne route has received attention recently because of the outbreaks which have occurred both in the US and the UK, affecting large numbers of people. This paper reviews the disease in humans, the significance of the waterborne route of infection, and identifies gaps in our current knowledge which the National Cryptosporidium Research Programme attempts to address.