Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parvum is a tiny intestinal parasite that can cause an infection called cryptosporidiosis. Don't let its size fool you: it's very resilient, thrives in water, and can survive for a long time in the environment thanks to its small protective "capsules" called oocysts. It is contracted by swallowing contaminated water or food, swimming in poorly disinfected pools, or simply by putting contaminated hands in the mouth.

Once in the intestine, C. parvum colonizes cells and causes very watery diarrhea, accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and sometimes fever. In healthy individuals, symptoms usually last one to two weeks, but they can be more severe in young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

There isn't always a specific treatment, but an antiparasitic medication may be used depending on the case. The key to recovery is primarily to stay well-hydrated, get plenty of rest, and let the immune system do its job.

To prevent infection, nothing beats good hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly, drink clean water, avoid swallowing water from swimming pools or lakes, and wash fruits and vegetables well. The parasite is tough, but fortunately, as a sticker it's completely harmless, and even rather adorable.

Add Cryptosporidium parvum to your scientific collection and let this little survivor shine somewhere other than your gut! Its sticker is now available on our website!

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PUN: With Cryptosporidium parvum, symptoms won't be cryptic !