Cryptosporidiosis: A disease of tropical and remote areas in Australia

Cryptosporidiosis: A disease of tropical and remote areas in Australia Journal Article

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

• Author(s): Lal, Aparna, Cornish, Lisa Michelle, Fearnley, Emily, Glass, Kathryn, Kirk, Martyn
• Published: 2015
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Volume: 9

Link to resource Report broken link

Abstract: The parasite Cryptosporidium is a common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Ineffectively focused interventions are partly why the disease remains a challenge to control. In this study, we describe the geographical, seasonal and demographic characteristics of reported cryptosporidiosis in Australia from 2001–2012. We combine this analysis of illnesses with evidence published in peer review articles and state health bulletins to identify high disease risk areas and populations. We find that rates of reported cryptosporidiosis are highest in warm, remote areas and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations’ dominated regions. Our review of the published literature and health reports highlights a focus on short term outbreaks in metropolitan areas. This negligible overlap between areas with high disease rates and areas of public health focus is of concern. Public health interventions and promotion programs to prevent and control diarrhoea need to focus on remote and Indigenous dominated Australia to reduce the currently high rates in these regions and populations.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0004078