Cryptosporidiosis in India and the World: A Review

Abstract: Cryptosporidiosis is caused by infection with a coccidian parasite belonging to the genus Cryptosporidium. Initially, human cryptosporidiosis was believed to be caused only by one species, but since the advent of molecular studies, 15 more species have been discovered to cause this infection. Among them, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are the most common species involved. This mainly affects children and causes diarrhea in most cases. It is mainly diagnosed by microscopy, especially in low-middle-income countries. This review covers the epidemiology, life cycle, risk factors, clinical manifestations, different diagnostic methods and treatment of this disease.