LIFE CYCLE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

The cycle begins when these oocysts are ingested by a new host.

Below is a visual representation of the Cryptosporidium life cycle (Heyworth, 1992):

There are 6 distinct developmental stages:

1. Orally ingested oocyst in the small bowel with release of four sporozoites

2. Invasion of intestinal epithelial cells

3. Differentiation of microgametes and macrogametes

4. Fertilization initiating sexual replication

5. Development of oocysts

6. Formation of new, infectious sporozoites within the oocyst, that are excreted in the stool