C. parvum is a protozoan parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea in humans. Through various mechanisms the parasite can manipulate the host cytoskeleton proteins, including rearranging tropomyosin-5 protein, actinin, villin, ezrin, at the site of infection. This restructuring of proteins allows the parasite to infiltrate intestinal cells. Due to antigenic similarity between C. parvum, actin and tropomyosin structures, these antibodies may cross-react with human tissues resulting in autoimmunity associated with parasitic infections.
Cryptosporidium
Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.
Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.
Start with my report →
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.