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==Overview==

==Overview==

Cryptosporidium is the single genus in the cryptosporidiidae family and contains at least 13 recognised species. These small protozoan parasites are able to infect a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.

Cryptosporidium is the single genus in the cryptosporidiidae family and contains at least 13 recognised species. These small protozoan parasites are able to infect a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. These species are the causative agents of [[cryptosporidiosis]], ''C. parvum'' is the most common species infecting mammals and man.

[[Image:Calf.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Calf - nabrown RVC]]

[[Image:Calf.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Calf - nabrown RVC]]

[[Image:Cryptosporidium ruminant.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Ruminant ''Cryptosporidium'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]

[[Image:Cryptosporidium ruminant.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Ruminant ''Cryptosporidium'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]

Cryptosporidium species are extremely small in size

Cryptosporidium species are extremely small in size, the oocysts being 4-5μm. They parasitise the epithelial cells lining the alimentary and respiratory tracts of the host. The developmental stages of the parasite are confined to the brush border area of the gut epithelium.

 

*Parasitises epithelial cells lining the alimentary and respiratory tracts

 

*Developmental stages confined to the '''microvillous brush border'''

 

*''C. parvum'' most associated with disease in domestic animals and in humans

 

==Life Cycle==

==Life Cycle==