Cryptosporidium
(don't forget subtitle)
Cryptosporidium (Crypto)
The disease is spread through feces, due to reproduction of the nearly dozens of species of one celled cryptosporidium parasite in your intestines.
Description
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease Cryptosporidiosis. The parasite is surrounded by an outer shell that allows it to stay outside the body for long periods of time. It is very tolerant to chlorine disinfectant, so it is most commonly spread through local/ communal pools.
Diagnosis: Examinations of stool samples using a modified acid-fast based staining culture.
Frequency?
Very infrequent, but not enough to be considered and epidemic when it does arise.
Disease Course/ Symptoms
- Frequent, watery diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Low-grade fever
Possible Complications
Can be debilitating to immunocompromised people living with HIV/ AIDS, but other than that, its just a pretty bad stomach bug.
Target Audience
It can be spread to anyone, by anyone with the disease.