Water Parasite 'Cryptosporidium' Found in US Water Supply That Causes Diarrheal Disease Can Become Curable [Study]

A water parasite called "cryptosporidium" has been found in water supplies, including from drinking water and swimming pools, in the United States. This parasitic threat has been ongoing in recent years. The said parasite, a single-celled organism, is known for causing a diarrheal disease, known as cryptosporidiosis, which can be acquired by drinking from or swimming in contaminated water.

Now, a new study led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania indicate that the disease caused by the water parasite can become curable or treatable soon. The breakthrough research focused on the reproductive capability and process of cryptosporidium. The approach involves determining how the organism selects its sex once it is inside the intestine of its host.

The recent research paper came out after a similar water parasite outbreak in Devon, England, United Kingdom, in May 2024. According to UK health authorities last month, the Devon outbreak is potentially becoming an emerging threat, prompting local officials to be on high alert and to be in constant monitoring. This comes after several people in Devon tested positive for cryptosporidium.

Cryptosporidiosis Disease and Symptoms

The microscopic germ cryptosporidium infects both humans and some animal species. Cryptosporidiosis symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, slight fever, and vomiting, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The disease can also be acquired through contact with infected animals and their environment.

Since cryptosporidiosis infection involves the reproduction of cryptosporidium inside our intestines, health authorities can detect the water parasite based from stool or feces samples collected from humans and animals. The parasite is widespread since it can contaminate natural and man-made bodies of water, including rivers, water reservoirs, and swimming pools.

Cryptosporidium Parasite and Treatment

Outside the US and the UK, the parasitic pathogen is also found in different parts of the world except Antarctica. Cryptosporidium lives not only in aquatic environments but also in the food that we eat, agricultural soil, or non-living surfaces that have been contaminated by poop with the parasite.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the water parasite can manifest as early as 2 to 10 days (with an average of 7 days) after infection, with a duration of 1 to 2 weeks. These symptoms also vary per individual and quality of medical attention received by the patient.

The CDC estimates that cryptosporidium infects 748,000 people across the US each year and can be further transmitted due to prolonged symptoms experienced by an infected individual, as cited by the California Department of Public Health.

While the global presence of cryptosporidium seems overwhelming, the diarrheal disease caused by the water parasite could soon become treatable, according to a study published in the journal Nature on May 29. This is possible after the discovery of how the parasite selects its sex may help researchers involved in the study to develop potential treatments or vaccines against cryptosporidiosis.