Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of cryptosporidiosis.

Cacciò SM, Pozio E

Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. caccio@iss.it

Cryptosporidiosis, the disease caused by protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium, represents a major public health problem in both developing and developed countries. The infection can be severe and life threatening among immunocompromised individuals, particularly in AIDS patients and in those with primary immunodeficiency diseases. This review examines the essential aspects of the epidemiology of the infection, highlighting the role of animals, water and food. A critical evaluation of the diagnostic tools used in clinical settings is also provided. Lastly, the review examines the chemotherapeutic options available to treat the infection, and underlines the need to design and test new drugs. The review concludes with a five-year outlook on some aspects of interest for future research on this pathogen.

Published 14 June 2006 in Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 4(3): 429-43.
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