Cryptosporidiosis / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium muris and C. parvum was reported by Tyzzer for the first time in 1907 and 1912, respectively from the mouse gastric gland and small intestine. The first human case was reported in 1976, and the importance of this protozoa as an opportunistic pathogen was recognized after the AIDS became an social issue as a debilitating disease all over the world in 1980s. Cryptosporidiosis provoke primarily diarrhea, and resulting in the most severe infections in immune-compromised individuals. C. parvum is a zoonotic pathogen which has a wide range of animal host as well as human. Cattle is known as the most important host among the animal, so they are important infection source as well. Infections can be established by drinking water, recreational water, and vegetables contaminated with C. parvum oocyts. But contact-borne infection with infected animals and patients can be possible. C. parvum oocysts are highly resistant to the harsh environmental conditions, so they can not be disinfected by conventional chlorine treatment method of the drinking water. Numerous reports of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis related to drinking water in North America, UK, and Japan suggest that water-borne infection is the major way of transmission.