Cryptosporidium and wildlife: A risk for humans?

The present review underlines the knowledge of Cryptosporidium, especially its biodiversity and transmission. The presence of the parasite in differen t mammal host species is discussed with real potential risk of transmission to humans. The potential role of insects in mechanical transmission of the parasite is evaluated by experimental protocols. The cost of cryptosporidi osis at health and economic levels are mentioned, which emphasises the impo rtance of detection and identification of the parasite in the environment a nd in wild mammal species, using specific molecular tools. Potential measur es to be accomplished in order to fight oft cryptosporidiosis are also note d.