Cryptosporidium parvum

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007022",
  "term": "Cryptosporidium parvum",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Cryptosporidium parvum, a single-celled animal, i.e., a protozoa, is an obligate intracellular parasite. It has been given additional species names when isolated from different hosts. It is currently thought that the form infecting humans is the same species that causes disease in young calves. The forms that infect avian hosts and those that infect mice are not thought capable of infecting humans. Cryptosporidium sp. infects many herd animals (cows, goats, sheep among domesticated animals, and deer and elk among wild animals). The infective stage of the organism, the oocyst is 3 um in diameter or about half the size of a red blood cell. The sporocysts are resistant to most chemical disinfectants, but are susceptible to drying and the ultraviolet portion of sunlight. Some strains appear to be adapted to certain hosts but cross-strain infectivity occurs and may or may not be associated with illness. The species or strain infecting the respiratory system is not currently distinguished from the form infecting the intestines.\n\n2. The protozoan that causes cryptosporidiosis. It is found in the intestines of animals and may be transmitted to humans by direct contact with an infected animal, by eating contaminated food, or by drinking contaminated water.",
  "references": [
    "FDA Bad Bug Book",
    "NIH AIDS Info Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/cryptosporidium-parvum/"
}