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Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
Published on: September 14, 2019
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Risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in Tennessee, 2018-2023
Christine M Thomas1, Emma Roth2, Christian Mackley2,3
1Division of Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA. Christine.Thomas@tn.gov.
BMC Infectious Diseases
|August 9, 2025
Summary
Cryptosporidiosis surveillance in Tennessee revealed distinct risk factors for Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis infections. Enhanced molecular subtyping is crucial for understanding and preventing zoonotic cryptosporidiosis.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidiosis is a significant zoonotic illness, necessitating detailed epidemiological understanding.
- Understanding the distribution of Cryptosporidium species and subtypes is key to controlling transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize cryptosporidiosis cases in Tennessee by species and molecular subtypes.
- To identify and explore epidemiological risk factors associated with different Cryptosporidium species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cryptosporidiosis case data reported in Tennessee from 2018-2023.
- Molecular subtyping of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes from patient specimens.
- Comparison of exposure frequencies with FoodNet Population Survey data using binomial probabilities to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- 1174 cryptosporidiosis cases were recorded; species and genotype information was available for a subset.
- Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most frequent species identified.
- C. parvum infections were linked to rural areas and contact with livestock (goats, cows, sheep), while C. hominis infections were associated with urban areas, water exposure, and contact with ill individuals.
Conclusions:
- Molecular surveillance provides valuable insights into cryptosporidiosis epidemiology and risk factors.
- Increased submission of specimens for molecular subtyping is essential to fully leverage surveillance data for prevention strategies.
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