ABSTRACT
The genus Cryptosporidium comprises nearly 30 known species of apicomplexan protozoans that infect birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals, including humans. Taxonomically, the genus Cryptosporidium belongs to the family Cryptosporidiidae, suborder Eimeriorina, order Eucoccidiorida, subclass Coccidiasina, class Conoidasida, phylum Apicomplexa, domain Eukaryota, kingdom Animalia. Given the ability of Cryptosporidium to perpetuate in human hosts, use of animal models and in vitro cultivation system is vital for characterization of Cryptosporidium life cycle, elucidation of host immune mechanisms, evaluation of potential drugs, and development of vaccines. Traditional method for diagnosing human intestinal cryptosporidiosis is based on microscopic detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool samples with acid-fast, auramine, or indirect immunofluorescence stains. Prevention of human cryptosporidiosis should aim to interrupt fecal–oral transmission of Cryptosporidium oocysts through provision of clean water and sanitation, maintenance of scrupulous hygiene in communal settings such as day care centers, implementation of food safety practice, and development of effective vaccines.
