Cryptosporidiosis Fact Sheet

Cryptosporidium infection (cryptosporidiosis) is a diarrheal disease caused by tiny, one-celled Cryptosporidium parasites representing at least 15 genotypically and phenotypically diverse species. When these parasites enter the body, they travel to the distal small intestine and burrow into the intestinal walls. After 1-2 weeks, they are shed and excreted in feces. Infection can also occur in the respiratory tract.