Textbook
1. Anatomy
2. Microbiology
2.1 General bacteriology
2.2 Introduction to systemic bacteriology
2.3 Gram positive cocci
2.4 Gram negative cocci
2.5 Gram positive bacilli
2.6 Gram negative bacilli
2.7 Other important bacteria
2.8 Virology
2.9 Parasitology
2.9.1 Entamoeba histolytica
2.9.2 Acanthamoeba
2.9.3 Naegleria fowleri
2.9.4 Giardia lamblia
2.9.5 Cryptosporidium parvum
2.9.6 Trichomonas
2.9.7 Plasmodium spp.
2.9.8 Babesia
2.9.9 Toxoplasma gondii
2.9.10 Taenia
2.9.11 Hymenolepis nana
2.9.12 Enterobius vermicularis
2.9.13 Trichuris
2.9.14 Trichinella
2.9.15 Ascaris
2.9.16 Hookworms
2.9.17 Strongyloides
2.9.18 Additional information
2.10 Mycology
3. Physiology
4. Pathology
5. Pharmacology
6. Immunology
7. Biochemistry
8. Cell and molecular biology
9. Biostatistics and epidemiology
10. Genetics
11. Behavioral science
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2.9.5 Cryptosporidium parvum
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2. Microbiology
2.9. Parasitology

Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parvum

It causes a watery diarrhea which is severe in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS, cancer patients etc. Infection is acquired by ingestion of oocysts. It presents as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps , dehydration, fever and vomiting. Oocysts can be visualised in stool by modified acid fast staining. Nuclei of sporozoites can be stained with DAPI. Immunofluorescence and ELISA can be used for the detection of antigens and antibodies. PCR is mainly used for research and epidemiological purposes.

Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts stained with modified acid-fast. Against a blue-green background, the oocysts stand out in a bright red stain. Sporozoites are visible inside the two oocysts to the right in this image.