(krĭp′tō-spor-ĭd″ē-ŭm )
A genus of protozoa in the kingdom Protista classed as a coccidian parasite. It is an important cause of diarrhea, esp. in immunocompromised patients, but may cause large outbreaks in the general population when it contaminates supplies of drinking water.
SEE: cryptosporidiosis