Cryptosporidium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cryptosporidium parvum |
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Eucoccidiorida
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Cryptosporidiidae
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Cryptosporidium
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Cryptosporidium is a tiny living thing called a protozoan parasite. A parasite is an organism that lives inside or on another living thing, called a host. It gets its food from the host. Cryptosporidium causes a sickness that often leads to diarrhea.
Many types of Cryptosporidium can infect mammals, including humans. The type most often found in people is called Cryptosporidium parvum.
Contents
What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a very small, single-celled organism. It is so tiny you need a microscope to see it. These parasites live in the intestines of infected animals and people. They are released in the poop of these hosts.
How Does it Spread?
The parasite spreads when people or animals swallow its tiny eggs, called oocysts. These oocysts are very tough. They can survive outside a host for a long time. They are often found in water that has been contaminated by poop. This can include drinking water, swimming pools, or lakes. Eating contaminated food can also spread the parasite.
What are the Symptoms?
When someone gets infected with Cryptosporidium, they can get sick. The main symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms might include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a slight fever.
For most healthy adults, the sickness is usually short. It might last for a week or two. But for children, or people with weaker immune systems, the sickness can be much more serious. It can last longer and cause more severe problems.
How is it Found?
Finding Cryptosporidium can be tricky for scientists. They look for the oocysts in poop samples under a microscope. But these oocysts are very small, about 3 to 6 micrometers (μm) in size. A micrometer is one-millionth of a meter! This small size can make them hard to spot.
Newer tests can find Cryptosporidium more easily. These tests can detect the parasite even when there are only a few oocysts.
How to Stay Safe
The best way to avoid getting sick from Cryptosporidium is to be careful about what you drink. If you think your water might be unsafe, it is best to boil it before drinking. Boiling water kills the parasite.
Always wash your hands well with soap and water. Do this especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Also, wash your hands before eating or preparing food. These simple steps help stop the spread of many germs, including Cryptosporidium.
Images for kids
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Life cycle of Cryptosporidium spp.
See also
In Spanish: Cryptosporidium para niños
