Cryptosporidiosis Summary Cryptosporidiosis (crypto) is an illness caused by a parasite. The parasite lives in soil, food and water. It may also be on surfaces that have been contaminated with waste. You can become infected if you swallow the parasite. The most common symptom of crypto is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include Dehydration Weight loss Stomach cramps or pain Fever Nausea Vomiting Most people with crypto get better with no treatment, but crypto can cause serious problems in people with weak immune systems such as in people with HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of crypto, wash your hands often, avoid water that may be infected, and wash or peel fresh fruits and vegetables before eating. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cryptosporidiosis National Institutes of Health Start Here Cryptosporidium (Crypto) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cryptosporidium Infection Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Diagnosis and Tests Cryptosporidium (Crypto) Disease: Diagnosis & Detection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention O&P (Ova and Parasite) Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Array Cryptosporidium enteritis Prevention and Risk Factors Cryptosporidium Epidemiology and Risk Factors Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cryptosporidium: A Guide to Water Filters Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cryptosporidium: Prevention – Immunocompromised Persons Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Control of Cryptosporidiosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related Issues Cryptosporidium: Infection – Immunocompromised Persons Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Parasites and Foodborne Illness Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service Travelers’ Health: Cryptosporidiosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Treatments and Therapies Cryptosporidium: Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journal Articles Cryptosporidiosis
