Cryptosporidium
(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
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