Related Experiment Videos
Cryptosporidiosis
1Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285-0428.
Abstract:
Before 1982, only eight case reports of human cryptosporidiosis and fewer than 30 papers on Cryptosporidium spp. appeared in the biomedical literature. At that time, cryptosporidiosis was thought to be an infrequent infection in animals and rarely an opportunistic infection in humans. The concept of Cryptosporidium spp. as pathogens has changed dramatically within the past 8 years because of improved diagnostic techniques, increased awareness within the biomedical community, and the development of basic research programs in numerous laboratories. Presently, greater than 1,000 publications including over 400 case reports in the biomedical literature address Cryptosporidium spp. and cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium parvum is now thought to be one of the three most common enteropathogens causing diarrheal illness in humans worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is likely that cryptosporidiosis was previously included in the 25 to 35% of diarrheal illness with unknown etiology. Because of the severity and length of diarrheal illness and because no effective therapy has been identified, cryptosporidiosis is one of the most ominous infections associated with AIDS. The role of C. parvum as an enteropathogen is well established; documentation of its role as a cause of hepatobiliary and respiratory diseases is now appearing in the literature. Our present understanding of the natural history, epidemiology, biology, and immunology of Cryptosporidium spp. as well as the clinical features, pathogenicity, and treatment of cryptosporidiosis are reviewed here.
Insights
Cryptosporidiosis, once rare, is now a major global diarrheal illness, especially in developing nations and AIDS patients. Improved diagnostics reveal Cryptosporidium parvum as a common enteropathogen, also linked to other diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Cryptosporidiosis was historically considered rare in humans and animals before 1982.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic advancements have led to a surge in research and case reports.
- Cryptosporidium species are now recognized as significant enteropathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis.
- To highlight the changing perception of Cryptosporidium as a pathogen.
- To summarize knowledge on natural history, epidemiology, biology, immunology, clinical features, pathogenicity, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications and case reports on Cryptosporidium spp. and cryptosporidiosis.
- Analysis of the evolution of understanding regarding Cryptosporidium as a human pathogen.
- Synthesis of current knowledge across various aspects of the infection.
Main Results:
- Over 1,000 publications and 400 case reports now exist, a dramatic increase since 1982.
- Cryptosporidium parvum is identified as a leading cause of human diarrheal illness globally, particularly in developing countries.
- The pathogen is increasingly implicated in hepatobiliary and respiratory diseases, beyond its established role in enteritis.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is a significant global health concern, often underdiagnosed previously.
- It represents a severe threat, especially to immunocompromised individuals like those with AIDS.
- Further research into effective therapies for cryptosporidiosis is crucial.