Cryptosporidiosis Flashcards
(18 cards)
Is crypto nationally notifiable?
Yes
Also notifiable if isolated from water
Which organism causes cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidium protozoan.
Human disease: C. hominis
Other mammals e.g. cattle: C. parvum
Where is crypto found in the environment?
Soil, food, water, surfaces contaminated by faeces (human, animal)
Oocytes can survive in soil and be infective for up to 6 months
How is crypto transmitted?
Faecal-oral route (person to person, animal to person).
Contaminated food / water.
Infectious dose low; cases excrete many oocytes
What are the clinical features of crypto?
Spectrum: ASx to GI (profuse watery diarrhoea, N/V, abdo pain)
Usually mild and self-limiting (1-2 weeks).
Compications: pneumonia, pancreatitis
Which groups are at high risk for severe illness?
Immunocompromised - severe / life threatening
What is the case definition?
Confirmed only - detection of Cryptosporidium
How is crypto diagnosed?
Detection of oocytes from stool by microscopy or monoclonal antibody test.
PCR also
What is the incubation period for crypto?
1 - 12 days (7 average)
What is the infectious period for crypto?
While excreting oocytes - up to several weeks after diarrhoea stops.
What is the outbreak definition for crypto?
> = 2 cases in a geographical area or institution
Epi: which groups does crypto occur more commonly in?
Young children, MSM, travellers, HCWs, people in contact with farm animals
In which environments / facilities do crypto outbreaks usually occur?
Public swimming pools (Aus/overseas); public water supplies (USA)
How is crypto prevented?
- Good personal hygiene, especially when handling animals.
- Shower before swimming in public pools
- Prompt action including disinfection of swimming pools
What resources are available for management of crypto outbreaks?
No SoNG - DH protocol
How are crypto cases managed?
T - treating clinician; supportive
I - no swimming in public pools until 2 weeks after diarrhoea ceases, no caring for children/elderly/unwell while symptomatic, exclude school/ECEC until 24 after diarrhoea stops; food handlers, HCW, CCW - until diarrhoea ceased
E - shower before swimming, no sharing towels/linen until 2 weeks after sx resolve,
How are contacts / co-exposed managed?
TIE as above if develop symptoms.
What environmental management is required for crypto?
- Investigate common sources: farm animals, food (salad, beverage), facility (CC, HC), recreational water source
- CC - IPC review
- Swimming pool - EHO inspection, compliance review, hyperchlorination, signage - do not enter if diarrhoea, temporary closure
- Filter/boil contaminated water as chlorine not effective against oocytes in usual concentrations for water treatment
