Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis

Gastroenteritis caused by protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium has become increasingly common worldwide in recent years. Cryptosporidiosis is now the leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with treated recreational water venues (eg, public swimming pools or commercial water parks) in the United States and a more frequent cause of sporadic gastroenteritis. Cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to traditional chlorination. The parasite is widely prevalent in many developing countries. Fecal-oral transmission of Cryptosporidium oocysts occurs by ingestion of contaminated drinking or recreational water, consumption of contaminated food, or contact with infected persons or animals. Illness in humans is manifested by watery diarrhea lasting 1 to 3 weeks and sometimes longer. Diarrhea will usually resolve with supportive treatment in immunocompetent persons. Nitazoxanide is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of persons with healthy immune systems. The drug's effectiveness in immunosuppressed persons is unclear, and cryptosporidiosis is a particular problem for immune-impaired persons. Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis immediately became the definitive text on this pathogen and the disease it causes when it was first published in 1997. This second edition of the book is greatly expanded (twice as long) and thoroughly updated, reflecting the much greater understanding of cryptosporidial disease that exists today compared with a decade ago. The book's 20 chapters cover the parasite's basic biology, genomics, immunology, life cycle, transmission, animal hosts, disease epidemiology, prophylaxis, clinical manifestations, and treatment. Manifestations of illness in fish, reptiles, birds, wild mammals, livestock, and companion animals are covered. The text is clear, although somewhat slow reading because of the large amount of information conveyed. There are ample illustrations, figures, and black-and-white photographs and a handful of color photographs and illustrations. Overall, I highly recommend this book, especially for persons interested in waterborne diseases, clinicians who routinely treat gastroenteritis, and persons interested in public health in developing countries, infectious diseases, or animal health. Unquestionably, it is the definitive book on cryptosporidiosis and Cryptosporidium.