Cryptosporidium
From WaterWiki.net
Terms & Synonyms | |
Official WHO Definition | 1) An obligate, intracellular, coccidian parasite with a complex life cycle. 2) Genus of parasites of the intestinal tracts of fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
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Other Definitions | |
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Contents |
Interpretations and Explanations
Cryptosporidium is one of the best examples of an “emerging disease”-causing organism. It was discovered to infect humans only in 1976, and waterborne transmission was confirmed for the first time in 1984.
References
1) WHO (2004), Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, 3rd ed, vol 1. pages 262-263. 2) WHO, WMO, UNEP (2003), Climate change and human health: risks and responses.
WHO Lexicon page (translations and examples)
