Cryptosporidium and colorectal cancer: a review of epidemiology and possible association

Abstract

Abstract Cryptosporidiosis is an important protozoan disease with serious public health implications. The contribution of Cryptosporidium to colorectal cancer is still vaguely studied, but little evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies has suggested a possible association. This review discusses the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and colorectal cancer and attempts to unravel the possible link between the two diseases using epidemiological, pathological, molecular, and immunological evidence. The review stressed the need to undertake more studies in this relatively neglected field.