Environmental Factors Associated with Cryptosporidium and Giardia

Abstract

Environmental factors significantly influence the transmission of intestinal protozoan diseases. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important zoonotic diseases characterized by diarrhea, and are mainly water or foodborne diseases caused by fecal-borne oocysts. The One Health approach effectively addresses environmentally influenced zoonotic diseases. However, the impact of environmental factors on the survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia (oo)cysts or disease transmission is mostly uncharacterized. Associations between cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis incidence and environmental variables (e.g., climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and water characteristics) have been reported; however, the identified relationships are not consistently reported. Whether these are country-specific or global observations is unclear. Herein, we review the evidence for the influence of environmental factors on Cryptosporidium/Giardia and corresponding diseases from three perspectives: climatic, soil, and water characteristics. The (oo)cyst concentration or survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia and the incidence of corresponding diseases are related to environmental variables. The associations identified varied among studies and have different levels of importance and lag times in different locations. This review summarizes the influence of relevant environmental factors on Cryptosporidium/Giardia from the One Health perspective and provides recommendations for future research, monitoring, and response.