ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium is a genus of parasitic protozoans belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which infect a wide range of hosts including humans, birds, reptiles, and fish. 1,2 In immunocompetent humans, the infection is usually self-limiting. 3 However, in humans with compromised immune systems, it can be the cause of chronic diarrhea, cachexia, lack of appetite, and malnutrition. 3 There is no effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis in immunocompromised populations, and no vaccine is available. 3–5 Humans are susceptible to a wide range of Cryptosporidium species (∼17 spp.), with Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum the main species infecting humans globally. 1,6