Cryptosporidiosis

**Definition:** Any condition caused by an infection with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium.

**Long definition:** A parasitic infection of medical and veterinary importance affecting epithelial cells of the human gastrointestinal, biliary and respiratory tracts, as well as over 45 different vertebrate species including poultry and other birds, fish, reptiles, small mammals (rodents, cats, dogs), and large mammals (particularly cattle and sheep). Asymptomatic infections are common and constitute a source of infection for others. The major symptom in human patients is diarrhoea, which may be profuse and watery, preceded by anorexia and vomiting in children.