− | Cryptosporidium mostly has a standard [[Coccidia Life Cycle|coccidial life cycle]] with a few exceptions. The oocyte does not contain sporocysts, instead the four sporozoites are free within the oocyst. The pre patent period of of cryptosporidium is 1 week, after which '''sporulated''' oocysts are shed in the hosts faeces. | + | Cryptosporidium mostly has a standard [[Coccidia Life Cycle|coccidial life cycle]] with a few exceptions. The oocyte does not contain sporocysts, instead the four sporozoites are free within the oocyst. Also the parasite does not invade the cells of the host, instead it develops in a membrane derived from the microvilli of the gut. The pre patent period of of cryptosporidium is 1 week, after which '''sporulated''' oocysts are shed in the hosts faeces. |