The Need for a Better Understanding of the Transmission of Cryptosporidium in Urban Areas

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine causing damage to the intestinal epithelium and disrupts absorption and barrier function, leading to mild-to-severe diarrhea [1]. Cryptosporidium has a worldwide distribution infecting humans and animals but in low and middle income countries, cryptosporidiosis is much more prevalent [2]. However, the burden of this parasitosis is underrated. According to Khalil et al (2018), Cryptosporidium infection was the fifth leading cause of diarrheal mortality in children younger than 5 years in 2016 and the estimation of the burden of Cryptosporidium is 2.5 times higher than previously reported by accounting childhood health beyond acute illness by decreasing growth. In addition, the co-infection of Cryptosporidium with other intestinal pathogens and respiratory cryptosporidiosis are other neglected topics [3]. There is currently no vaccine available, and the only approved treatment, the drug nitazoxanide, is not highly effective in immunocompromised individuals [4].