Cryptosporidium-Cryptosporidiosis: PSA for Colorado Residents

Special release 19 October 2023. This was originally a briefing for a local human audience in April 2023; however, the subject of “what is crypto” has come up in some snake contexts lately and some people have asked what it it. This should help explain even though it is not all about the disease in reptiles, it is a general briefing.

“Crypto” (Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis)
Lori Torrini, April 12, 2023
According to the CDC, Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal disease known as cryptosporidiosis. The parasite and the disease are commonly called “Crypto.” It is the leading cause of waterborne disease in the United States.
1. Who (What) species is involved? Humans but cryptosporidiosis can infect other species as well such as dogs and snakes.
2. What happened to cause disease in the animal(s) involved? Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite called cryptosporidium. It is commonly spread through contaminated water and is commonly spread to humans in pool water in the United States. It is commonly spread through drinking water and recreational water sources but can be spread in other ways as well.
3. Where did the disease occur? This incident occurred at Glenwood Hot Springs located in Garfield County, Colorado in September 2019, 4 cases were reported.
4. What are signs of disease in animals? Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, fever, and weight loss in people and dogs. In some snakes like cornsnakes for example, it results in death. In humans the illness can last 4 days to 4 weeks, but the average duration is 1-2 weeks. The small intestine is the main area of infection, but it can invade other areas of the digestive tract as well as the respiratory tract.
5. How is the disease diagnosed in the animal(s) involved? The presence of Crypto in humans and non-human animals is detected by microscopic analysis of fecal samples using one of several methods. There are also molecular detection methods, such as PCR testing, that can narrow down the exact species infecting the host.
6. Is there any treatment for the disease? Humans with healthy immune systems usually recover without supportive treatment. Supportive treatment includes increased water intake and anti-diarrheal medication. In some cases, the body is unable to rid itself of the parasite and is uncurable. In snakes and many other reptiles, it is often fatal.
7. Is there a vaccine available? There is no vaccine, it is a parasitic infection, so caused by a microscopic animal, it is not a type of virus or bacteria.
8. Beyond vaccination, what are the key factors to consider in controlling the disease? Cryptosporidium is highly resistant to chlorine and many disinfectants.
9. Should I be worried about myself, or other pets or livestock, getting the disease? There are several species of Cryptosporidium that can infect both humans and non-human animals. It is a parasite, but it is protected by an outer shell that makes it difficult to kill, it is very tolerant of chlorine and many commonly used disinfectants. It can survive outside in the environment for long periods of time and can be difficult to get rid of.
Resources:
Bogan Jr, J. E. (2019). Gastric cryptosporidiosis in snakes, a review. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 29(3-4), 71-86.
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news...
https://pediatricassociatesnc.com/Cry...
https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/cryptosporid...