Disease or Syndrome
cryptosporidiosis
[ krip-toh-spawr-i-dahy-oh-sis, spohr ]
Subclass of:
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic;
Protozoan Infections, Animal;
Coccidiosis
Also called:
Crypto
Definitions related to cryptosporidiosis:
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An infection that is caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or hominis, which is acquired by inhalation or ingestion of infectious spores, and which typically manifests as acute enteritis.NCIU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Cryptosporidiosis is a contagious disease that causes watery diarrhea. It is caused by parasites called Cryptosporidium, or Crypto. These parasites live in soil, food, and water. They are found in every region of the United States and throughout the world. Crypto can also be found on surfaces or dirty hands that have been contaminated with the stool (poop) of humans or animals that have the infection. You can become infected with Crypto by swallowing the parasite if it is in your food, drinking water, or water that you swim in. You can also get infected when you touch something that has been contaminated, and then you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. Another way that Crypto can spread is through sexual contact. Certain people are more likely to get Crypto; they include: Children and workers at childcare centers; Older adults (ages 75 years and older); People who take care of other people with Crypto; International travelers; Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unfiltered, untreated water; People, including swimmers, who swallow water from contaminated sources; People who touch infected animals, often cows or sheep. The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Dehydration; Weight loss; Stomach cramps or pain; Fever; Nausea and vomiting. The symptoms generally begin 2 to 10 days after becoming infected with the parasite. In people with healthy immune systems, the symptoms can last about 1 to 2 weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms can last longer or come and go for up to 30 days. People with weakened immune systems may develop a serious, chronic illness. Some reasons why you might have a weakened immune system could include: Having HIV; Having cancer; Having a genetic condition that affects the immune system; Taking certain medicines, such as chemotherapy and medicines needed after an organ transplant. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. Contact your health care provider if you have watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, especially if you have a weakened immune system. Cryptosporidiosis is diagnosed by examining stool samples, usually under a microscope. People with Crypto can have many parasites in their stool one day but not as many the next day. So you may need to give the lab three stool samples collected on three different days. This helps make sure that your diagnosis is correct. Most people with cryptosporidiosis get better without treatment. It usually takes about one to two weeks. It's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Infants, young children, and pregnant people are more likely to get dehydration. They should get extra fluids. If you are pregnant or if you think that you or your child are severely dehydrated, contact your provider about how to get enough fluids. Some people who are dehydrated may need to get intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine might help slow down diarrhea, but do not take it without first asking your provider. There is a medicine to treat diarrhea caused by Crypto in people with healthy immune systems. You and your provider can talk about whether that medicine is right for you. To lower your chance of getting or spreading Crypto: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or touching animals. You also need to wash your hands before eating or preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against Crypto.; Only drink water that you know is safe.; Only drink milk and apple cider that have been pasteurized.; Don't eat uncooked foods when traveling in countries where the food supply might be unsafe.; Never go swimming when...MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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Intestinal infection with organisms of the genus CRYPTOSPORIDIUM. It occurs in both animals and humans. Symptoms include severe DIARRHEA.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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Intestinal infection with protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium; occurs in both animals and humans; symptoms include severe diarrhea.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Cryptosporidiosis is infection with the protozoan Cryptosporidium. The primary symptom is watery diarrhea, often with other signs of gastrointestinal distress. Illness is typically self-limited in immunocompetent patients but can be persistent and severe in patients with AIDS. Diagnosis is by identification of the organism or antigen in...Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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Human cryptosporidiosis is caused by infection with apicomplexan protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium. Human illness was formerly thought to be caused by a single species, but molecular studies have demonstrated that it is caused by at least 15 different species.WebMD, 2025
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Cryptosporidium infection (cryptosporidiosis) is an illness caused by tiny, one-celled cryptosporidium parasites. When cryptosporidia (krip-toe-spoe-RID-e-uh) enter your body, they travel to your small intestine and then burrow into the walls. Later, they're shed in your feces.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
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Cryptosporidiosis is an illness caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium. The condition is most commonly associated with watery diarrhea. Other signs and symptoms may include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and/or vomiting. Cryptosporidiosis occurs when the parasite enters the body, often through contaminated food...National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
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Cryptosporidiosis is illness caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium , characterized by watery diarrhea and often accompanied by abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms, which usually last for up to 2 weeks and sometimes up to 4 weeks, may relapse after initial resolution....Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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