Objectives

To analyze the relationship between water contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and its effects on the health of human and animal populations in Colombia.

Materials and Methods

Analytical essay focused on the documented and analytical application of the Driving Forces Methodology and the WHO model of Social Determinants of Health using cryptosporidiosis as an example.

Results

The driving forces involved in the relationship between water contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and human and animal health were increased demand for livestock products and low-quality livestock production. Regarding pressure, it was related to the poor implementation of production practices, the invasion of protected areas and ecological reserves, and the reduction of rural-urban borders. On the other hand, status was associated with contamination of soil and water sources, as well as the deficient management of excreta. Finally, exposure was determined by the entry of oocysts via the fecal-oral route through contaminated soil and water, and effect consisted of self-limiting diarrhea, severe dehydration, malabsorption syndrome, and death.

Conclusions

Ecosystems can maintain healthy populations, but when they are mismanaged or rapidly altered by human pressure, they can also be associated with the emergence of diseases such as Cryptosporidiosis.