The Global Burden of Pediatric Cryptosporidium Infections

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis has been identified as a leading cause of diarrhea in young children worldwide. Infection results in significant short-term morbidity as well as long-term sequelae. Recent advancements in molecular diagnostics used in large multicenter prospective studies have led to the discovery that burden of Cryptosporidium disease is higher than previously recognized; however, the implications of this discovery are not fully understood. Epidemiologic studies suggest infection impacts long-term growth; however, the mechanisms driving this vicious cycle have yet to be elucidated, and it remains to be seen why malnutrition renders such high susceptibility to Cryptosporidium. Whole-genome sequencing has refined classification of anthroponotic and zoonotic strains and may shed light on novel modes of transmission and species -specific pathogenicity. As Cryptosporidium has been recognized as a significant pathogen with implications on child health it challenges us to determine the mechanisms of pathogenesis for this difficult to study parasite and also enforces the need to continue advancing innovative technologies in resource-limited settings to curb the impact of this neglected tropical disease.