PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA IN HUMAN AND ANIMALS

Abstract

The protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis are worldwide considered as an important cause of gastrointestinal disease in human patients and in animals. The high number of (oo) cysts excreted shortly after infection, together with the low infectious dose, results in an easy spread of infection. The aim of this literature review is to introduce Cryptosporidium and Giardia by addressing their taxonomy, life cycle, prevalence and clinical importance for both human and animals.