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[Cryptosporidium parasitism in children with acute diarrhea]
A C Mangini1, R M Dias, S J Grisi
1Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Divisão de Biologia Médica, Serviço de Parasitologia, São Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Cryptosporidium parvum (Cryptosporidium sp.) caused 17.43% of acute diarrhea cases in children aged 1-48 months. This parasitic infection was most common during the March-May period in São Paulo.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Microbiology
Context:
- Acute diarrhea is a significant cause of childhood morbidity.
- Cryptosporidium is an important enteric pathogen in young children.
- Surveillance of enteric pathogens is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in children with acute diarrhea.
- To identify seasonal patterns of Cryptosporidium infection.
- To explore potential co-infections with other enteric agents.
Summary:
- A 3-year study (1987-1990) analyzed 241 fecal samples from children (1-48 months) with acute diarrhea.
- Parasitological examination revealed Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts in 17.43% of samples using carbol-fucsin staining.
- Infection rates peaked between March and May, suggesting seasonal transmission.
Impact:
- This study highlights Cryptosporidium as a common cause of diarrhea in Brazilian children.
- Findings inform public health strategies for managing pediatric diarrheal diseases.
- Understanding seasonal trends aids in resource allocation for prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
During the period from August 1987 to July 1990, 241 fecal samples collected from 1 to 48 months old children with acute diarrhea and examined in the Child's Institute of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, were submitted to parasitological tests in the Enteroparasitosis Section of the Instituto Adolfo Lutz. Fourty two (17.43%) fecal samples showed Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts by carbol-fucsin stain. Parasitism by Cryptosporidium sp. was more frequent during the period comprised from March to May, in the studied three years. The authors discussed the Cryptosporidium sp. in association with other agents.