What is "cryptosporidium"

n. A protozoan, of the genus ''Cryptosporidium'', that is an intestinal parasite of humans and other vertebrates; can cause diarrhea and other symptoms in cases of low immunity.

Cryptosporidium is a genus of apicomplexan protozoans that can cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness ( cryptosporidiosis) that primarily involves watery diarrhea (intestinal cryptosporidiosis) with or without a persistent cough (respiratory cryptosporidiosis) in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient humans.

Treatment of gastrointestinal infection in humans involves fluid rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and management of any pain. , nitazoxanide is the only drug approved for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent hosts. Supplemental zinc may improve symptoms, particularly in recurrent or persistent infections or in others at risk for zinc deficiency. Cryptosporidium oocysts are 4-6 µm in diameter and exhibit partial acid-fast staining. They must be differentiated from other partially acid-fast organisms including Cyclospora cayetanensis.