Cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon: could it cause AKI?
In this article we will describe the recent cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon:, and answer the question ‘could it cause AKI?’
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium parvum protozoa positive (red sphere shape) in human poo smear.
What is Cryptosporidium?
It is a microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium, sometimes called ‘crypto’, is a group of parasites that can cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness (cryptosporidiosis). This primarily involves watery diarrhoea (intestinal cryptosporidiosis), sometimes with a persistent cough (respiratory cryptosporidiosis).
A number of species infect mammals. In humans, the main causes of disease are C. parvum and C. hominis. C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, and C. muris can also cause disease in humans.
It lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo.
It can then spread and contaminate water sources like lakes, rivers, and swimming pools, as well as food like raw milk and vegetables. It is a waterborne disease.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include:
- Profuse watery diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite.
How long does it last?
Most people develop symptoms within one to 12 days of picking up the parasite.
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks, but can last up to six weeks or longer when the immune system is not working properly.
During the illness, you might think you are getting better but the illness returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
What has happened in Devon recently?
There has been an outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in south Devon recently and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases of cryptosporidiosis, had risen to 46.
More than 100 people have also reported symptoms, it said.
About 16,000 homes and businesses have been advised to boil water before drinking it until further notice.
South West Water (SWW) said it was draining the Hillhead reservoir and the wider Alston area of Brixham was still being investigated as a potential cause for the outbreak.
The company previously said a faulty valve might have allowed a parasite to make its way into the water network.
It comes after SWW chief executive Susan Davy said she was “truly sorry” and admitted the company had “fallen significantly short”.
So. Does cryptosporidiosis cause AKI?
Yes, of course. All causes of infectious diarrhoea with severe dehydration may produce Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) – and can lead to (or worsen) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) without adequate and timely treatment.
These complications are more likely to happen in immunocompromised patients; and other chronic conditions, such as hypertension, CKD, and solid organ transplants – including kidney transplants.
Summary
We have described the recent cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon; and answered the question ‘could it cause AKI?’ (yes). We hope it has been helpful.
Other resources
How to avoid cryptosporidium (UK-HSA)
Cryptosporidium infection in CKD patients on haemodialysis
Last Reviewed on 26 June 2024
