Cryptosporidium parvum

Epidemiology: 1) uses a single host in its life cycle. 2) may infect humans, cattle, sheep & other animals 3) oocysts are refractory to usual chlorination of drinking water 4) filtration of surface water required for purification Laboratory: 1) Cryptosporidium parvum antigen in stool 2) Cryptosporidium parvum DNA 3) Cryptosporidium culture in stool a) acid-fast organisms b) abnormal D-xylose & fat absorption

Properties

KINGDOM: animal PHYLUM: protozoa

References

Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1280-81