Journal of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology ›› 2022, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (3): 136-148.

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Epidemic status and prevention and control progress of cryptosporidiosis in China

WANG Xu, SHEN Yu-juan, CAO Jian-ping   

  1. National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
  • Online:2022-06-20 Published:2022-06-30

Abstract: Protozoa of Cryptosporidium spp. can be transmitted through the activities of humans and animals, causing human cryptosporidiosis, which was considered as one of the six most important pathogens of diarrhea in the world. It is a great threat to children and immunocompromised people, and may cause outbreak of public health events. However, there are no effective drugs or vaccines for the treatment and prevention of this infection at present. Therefore, the prevention and control of cryptosporidiosis is extremely difficult, and has attracted more and more attention around the world. In this paper, we summarized the situation of cryptosporidium infection in human over 30 years since the first case of cryptosporidiosis was reported in China in 1987, discussed the risk factors of Cryptosporidium transmission such as water and food contamination, infection of domestic animals, and seasonal epidemic situation, and introduced the progress, challenges and strategies of cryptosporidiosis control in China. Based on the existing survey and research results, Cryptosporidium spp. that can infect humans are widely distributed in China, and patients of HIV/AIDS or malignant tumor and drug addicts are susceptible population that call for attention. The main pathogenic species include C. hominis and C. parvum.. Considering the risk factors and prevention and control status of cryptosporidiosis, comprehensive prevention and control strategies should be implemented in terms of monitoring networks, prevention and control measures, technologies, water purification and health education, and the "One Health" public health concept should be practiced in all links of "parasites-humans- reservoir host-environment", so as to achieve effective monitoring and control of cryptosporidiosis in China. 

Key words: Cryptosporidiumn spp., Cryptosporidiosis, Prevalence, Control and prevention, Strategy, Transmission risk

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