cryptosporidiosis

An enteric disease caused by waterborne protozoan parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium; characterized pathologically by villous atrophy and fusion and clinically by diarrhea in humans, calves, lambs, and other animals; disease in immunocompetent persons is manifest as a self-limiting diarrhea, whereas in immunocompromised persons it is manifest as a prolonged severe diarrhea that can be fatal.

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cryp·to·spo·rid·i·o·sis .krip-tō-spȯr-.id-ē-'ō-səs n, pl -o·ses -.sēz infection with or disease caused by cryptosporidia

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n.

an intestinal infection of mammals and birds caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium, which is usually transmitted to humans via farm animals. Ingestion of water or milk contaminated with infective oocysts results in severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, caused by release of a toxin. Most patients recover in 7-14 days, but the disease can persist in the immunocompromised (including AIDS patients), the elderly, and young children.

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cryp·to·spo·rid·i·o·sis (krip″to-spo-rid″e-oґsis) 1. infection of young farm animals with protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium, which may be associated with or contribute to enteric disease. 2. human infection with protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium, usually seen as a self-limited diarrhea in those who work with cattle; in immunocompromised patients it is much more serious, manifested as prolonged debilitating diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain, with occasional spread to the trachea and bronchial tree.