Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium parvum is a single-celled parasite (protozoan) which has caused some significant water-borne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in B.C. (e.g. Cranbrook, Kelowna and Penticton, 1996). It is not a serious health threat for people with a healthy immune system. However, as of 2009, there is no treatment that can eliminate this parasite from the body, so the immune system must remove it. Therefore, for people who are immunocompromised, it can cause prolonged illness.
Cryptosporidia are passed in the stools of animals, and can contaminate water supplies. They can form spores to survive when conditions are not good for their growth and survival, causing challenges for water treatment system operators. And, since cryptosporidiosis is primarily water-borne, this means that immunocompromised individuals may need to take special precautions with their drinking water (see 'Prevention' in the Overview).
Information for Health Professionals
Last Updated: March 1, 2012