What to know
CDC developed CryptoNet to further understand the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in the United States and increase national reporting among U.S. national, state, and local public health departments.
Background
CryptoNet is the U.S. database for illnesses cause by the parasite Cryptosporidium. CryptoNet tracks Cryptosporidium (or "Crypto" for short) illnesses using laboratory methods to identify the DNA fingerprints of Crypto from sick people. The DNA fingerprints represent strains of Crypto. State public health partners send information about the Crypto DNA to CryptoNet as well as samples from sick people and what they were doing before they became sick. This information is used to help identify and control Crypto outbreaks, identify which strains are causing illnesses, detect new Crypto strains, and track how Crypto strains are geographically spread in the United States.
Tracking the spread of Cryptosporidium
Thanks to DNA fingerprinting, we know there are about 40 types, or species, of Crypto. They can be spread in water or food, and from surfaces or dirty hands that have been contaminated with the poop of humans or animals infected with the parasite. The different types of Crypto look the same when using standard laboratory tests, such as looking under a microscope. That's why CDC and state microbiologists use the more advanced process of DNA fingerprinting to identify the many varieties of Crypto.
This technique can help:
- Identify which Crypto types and strains are infecting people
- Detect new strains that come into the United States
- Track how various Crypto strains spread in the United States
- Better detect outbreaks caused by specific Crypto strains
More information
Nationally Notifiable Waterborne Diseases
SEDRIC: System for Enteric Disease Response, Investigation, and Coordination