Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium Parvum
Cyptosporidium Parvum is a waterborne parasite encased in a leathery shell, or oocyst and causes severe flu-like symptoms when ingested. Once ingested the walls of the oocyst are softened by the digestive fluids in the stomach and small intestine. Tiny protozoa emerge and immediately begin to reproduce and infect the intestinal lining. This process impairs the small intestine's ability to absorb water and nutrients, which causes the infected person or animal to expel the oocyst through diarrhea and vomiting.
Cryptosporidium is one of the most resistant parasites to water chemical treatments ever encountered. This makes treating water for Cryptosporidium very difficult. The parasite responds somewhat to chlorine but only in high doses and it is resistant to many commonly used hospital and laboratory disinfectants. To date, it seems Cryptosporidium can be removed only by filtration, or by boiling for at least three minutes.
In recent years Cryptosporidium has become regarded as the most important waterborne human pathogen in developed countries.
Australian Significance
The most publicised incident of drinking water contamination in Australia occurred in July- September 1998 in Sydney. A concerning level of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was reported and boil water notices were issued for 3 millions residents.
Cryptosporidium is a notifiable condition in several states and territories in Australia.
Health Considerations
Infection of normally healthy people by Cryptosporidium can result in self-limiting diarrhoea that usually resolves within a week but can last for a month or more. Illness varies according to age and immune status and infections in severely immunocompromised people can be life threatening.
Note: BRITA On Tap Filter System removes 99.99% Cryptosporidium as certified by the international National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
