Cryptosporidium parvum - Essay Example

Cryptosporidium parvum Cryptosporidium parvum There are various reasons as to why I choose this topic. One of the pertinent reason is to gain insight in some of the infection transmitted by parasites. In addition, I wanted to understand the incidence of infection in my country. Cryptosporidium is one of the parasites that are a challenge to human well-being. The parasite is minute and causes disease known as cryptosporidiosis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013). The parasite and disease are nicknamed as “Crypto” (CDC, 2013).

Many species of this parasite affect both human and animals. The parasite is adapted to harsh way of survival. This is due to its outer layer that allows it to withstand harsh environment (CDC, 2013). This conveys it some resistance once it is exposed to chlorine disinfection. The organism exists in nature and causes disease. The organism is transmitted in different ways. However, water acts as the most common way of transmission (CDC, 2013). Such water may be for drinking or recreational facilities.

The mode of transmission is through fecal-oral route (Health Canada, 2001). This may be from person to person, animal to person, or food and waterborne transmission (Health Canada, 2001).The organism prevalence has been on the rise in United States. For example, from 2009 to 2010 the number of cases of cryptosporidiosis has been on the rise (Yoder, T et al. (2012). Cases were most prevalent on children aged 1-9 years and adults in a category of 25-29 years (Yoder, T et al. (2012). Moreover, the number of waterborne diseases has been on the rise in the country.

A number of factors contribute to the spread of the organism. However, there are factors that majorly contribute to the spread of the organism. They include accidental swallowing something that encounters the stool of an infected person (CDC, 2013). It may also be through drinking recreational water contaminated with Crypto (CDC, 2013). One may also be infected through eating of poorly cooked food contaminated with the organism. Likewise, one may get infected by touching of mouth with contaminated hand (CDC, 2013).

It may also be spread in a laboratory by naturally and experimentally infected animals (Health Canada, 2001).ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Parasites - Cryptosporidium (also known as "Crypto"). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/.Health Canada. (2001). Cryptosporidium parvum - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/msds48e-eng.php.Yoder, T et al. (2012). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6105a1.htm.