Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a genus of protozoan parasites of the family Cryptosporidiidae that occur in the intestinal tracts of vertebrates. Some species are pathogenic to humans and other animals, and Cryptosporidium parvum is the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis in humans. Infection follows ingestion of microscopic oocysts shed in faeces; these survive for months in the environment and resist standard chlorine disinfection. In food safety the main concern is water used for drinking, irrigation or washing fresh produce. Prevention centres on catchment protection, filtration, and good agricultural practice.