What is the Difference Between Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora

Thekey differencebetweenCryptosporidiumandCyclosporais thatCryptosporidiumis a genus ofapicomplexan parasitesresponsible for cryptosporidiosis, whereasCyclosporais a genus of apicomplexan parasites responsible for cyclosporiasis in humans.

The genera of apicomplexan parasites that infect humans and animals includeToxoplasma,Plasmodium,Eimeria,Isospora,Cryptosporidium,Cyclospora,andBabesia. BothCryptosporidiumandCyclosporacan infect humans and animals, leading to different diseases. Moreover, the species of these genera specifically affect the gastrointestinal tract of humans.

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.What is Cryptosporidium
3.What is Cyclospora
4.相似之处——隐孢子虫和环孢子虫
5.Cryptosporidium vs. Cyclospora in Tabular Form
6.Summary – Cryptosporidium vs. Cyclospora

What is Cryptosporidium?

Cryptosporidiumis a genus of apicomplexan parasites. This genus comprises the species causing intestinal and respiratory cryptosporidiosis in humans. Therefore, species in this genus can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illness in humans. The well-known species of this genera includeCryptosporidium parvum,Cryptosporidium hominis,Cryptosporidium muris,Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, andCryptosporidium varanii. The species of this genus has three developmental stages: meronts, gamonts, andoocysts. These species reproduce within intestinal epithelial cells. Their oocysts can survive for lengthy periods outside a host or in the external environment.

Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora - Side by Side Comparison

Figure 01: Cryptosporidium

The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis arediarrhea, loose or watery stool, vomiting, unintentional weight loss, stomach cramps, nasal discharge, voice change, cough, dyspnea, fever, and hypoxemia. The risk factors for this condition include swallowing water contaminated with these parasites, eating uncooked foods contaminated with these parasites, swallowing these parasites picked up from surfaces having the stool of an infected person, and people with a weak immune system (HIV, cancer, or people with inherited diseases that affect the immune system). Cryptosporidiosis can be diagnosed through a physical examination and an examination of stool samples. Furthermore, cryptosporidiosis is treated through an FDA-approved drug called nitazoxanide.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclosporais a genus of apicomplexan parasites that has well-known species such asCyclospora cayetanensis,Cyclospora angimurinensis,Cyclospora ashtabulensis,Cyclospora caryolytica,Cyclospora cercopitheci,Cyclospora colobi,Cyclospora megacephali,Cyclospora papionis,Cyclospora parascalopi, andCyclospora talpae.Cyclospora cayetanensisis the causative agent of cyclosporiasis. The symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include watery or explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, low-grade fever, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. The risk factors for getting cyclosporiasis include living in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and having a compromised (weakened) immune system due to HIV/AIDS or cancer or taking immunosuppressive medications.

Cryptosporidium vs Cyclospora in Tabular Form

Figure 2: Cyclospora

Cyclosporiasis可以通过物理诊断examinations, stool tests, and DNA testing through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels. Furthermore, cyclosporiasis is treated through trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), which is sold under the trade names Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim.

What are the Similarities Between Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora?

CryptosporidiumandCyclosporacan infect humans and animals, leading to different diseases.
Both genera comprise of apicomplexan parasites.
They have species that can infect the gastrointestinal tract and cause similar symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, stomach cramps, etc.
The species of both genera have developmental stages such as meronts, gamonts, and oocysts in their life cycle.
Diseases caused by the species of both genera can be diagnosed through physical examination and stool tests.
The diseases caused by species of both genera can be treated through specific medications.

What is the Difference Between Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora?

Cryptosporidiumis a genus of apicomplexan parasites that is comprised of the species causing cryptosporidiosis in humans, whileCyclosporais a genus of apicomplexan parasites that comprised of the species causing cyclosporiasis in humans. Thus, this is the key difference between Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora. Furthermore, well-known species ofCryptosporidiumincludeCryptosporidium parvum,Cryptosporidium hominis,Cryptosporidium muris,Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, andCryptosporidium varanii. On the other hand, well-known species ofCyclospora cayetanensis,Cyclospora angimurinensis,Cyclospora ashtabulensis,Cyclospora caryolytica,Cyclospora cercopitheci,Cyclospora colobi,Cyclospora megacephali,Cyclospora papionis,Cyclospora parascalopi, andCyclospora talpae.

The infographic below presents the differences betweenCryptosporidium and Cyclosporain tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Cryptosporidium vs. Cyclospora

Apicomplexais a large phylum of mainly parasitic protists belonging to the alveolata group. These parasites infect both invertebrates and vertebrates. Apicomplexans have complex life cycles with both asexual and sexual reproduction.CryptosporidiumandCyclosporaare two genera of apicomplexan parasites that infect humans and animals.Cryptosporidiumis a genus of apicomplexan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis in humans.Cyclosporais a genus of apicomplexan parasites that cause cyclosporiasis in humans. So, this is the key difference betweenCryptosporidiumandCyclospora.

Reference:

1. MJ;, Eberhard ML;Pieniazek NJ;Arrowood. “Laboratory Diagnosis of Cyclospora Infections.” Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. “Parasites – Cryptosporidium (Also Known as ‘Crypto’).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.