The history of cryptosporidiosis

Steverding, Dietmar (2026) The history of cryptosporidiosis. Parasites & Vectors. ISSN 1756-3305 (In Press)

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Abstract

In this review, the history of cryptosporidiosis caused by parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium is outlined. These apicomplexan parasites evolved together with their vertebrate host during the early Cambrian period. The main etiological agents of human and bovine cryptosporidiosis are the zoonotic species C. parvum and the anthroponotic species C. hominis. Palaeoparasitological data indicate that humans have been parasitised by cryptosporidia since ancient times. Although the first Cryptosporidium species was described in 1907, the protozoan was only recognised as a gastrointestinal parasite of humans and cattle in the 1980s. The parasite became known to the general public primarily through media reports of waterborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Cryptosporidiosis is now acknowledged as a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with severe health implications for young, malnourished children and immunocompromised patients, and with severe economic consequences for cattle farmers.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Availability of data and material: Data supporting the main conclusions of this study are included in the manuscript.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cryptosporidiosis,cryptosporidium spp,c. parvum,c. hominis,outbreaks,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Metabolic Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Gastroenterology and Gut Biology
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	11 Jun 2026 13:24
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2026 13:24
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103374
DOI:	issn:1756-3305

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