Also known as Cryptosporidium hominis (C. hominis) and Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), these two types of protozoans are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Cryptosporidium can infect humans, cattle and other animals, particularly farm animals.
Cryptosporidium passes out in the faeces of infected humans and animals. It can then be found in soil, water, and food, or on surfaces that have been contaminated.
Human-to-human transmission can take place by not washing hands after changing the nappy of an infected child and then touching the mouth. This is known as faecal oral transmission. Outbreaks can occur within a household or within nurseries.
Animal-to-human transmission is also possible. This is commonly through contact with infected animals in farms or zoos or through contact with infected animal manure.
Water can be contaminate with cryptosporidium. The largest outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have occurred when drinking water becomes contaminated with sewage or manure. Adequate filtration of water is required to remove this parasite. Boiling water for one minute does kill this parasite.
Outbreaks have occurred through swimming pool contamination, as chlorination doesn’t always kill the parasite.
Contamination from food can occur if vegetables and fruit are washed in contaminated water or faecal sludge is used as fertiliser.
Unpasteurised milk can also be a source of infection.
Symptoms of cryptosporidium infection
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea with stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Infection with cryptosporidium often causes a gastroenteritis-type illness. which is infection of the bowels (intestines). It can take between 3 to 12 days after contact with cryptosporidium to develop symptoms.
Symptoms usually last around 12 to 14 days but can sometimes last for as long as a month. Some people may find symptoms seem to improve and then become worse again (relapse) before the infection clears fully.
Some people have no symptoms at all, particularly if they have a healthy immune system, but they can still pass on the infection to others.
Natural remedies for cryptosporidium infection
Most healthy adults will recover from this infection without treatment, but the following herbs and spices can aid recovery quickly.
Herbal teas made from any of the above herbs and spices can help the body fight a cryptosporidium infection.
The biggest danger with a cryptosporidium infection is becoming dehydrated due to diarrhoea and vomiting. This is especially dangerous for babies, children and the elderly and medical help should be sought in those cases.
See more: Dehydration
For more natural remedies see: Parasites
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