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Intestinal protozoal infestation profile in persistent diarrhea in children below age 5 years in western Nepal

C Mukhopadhyay1, G Wilson, D Pradhan

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. chiranjay@yahoo.co.in

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|June 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Protozoal parasites are a significant cause of persistent diarrhea in children in Nepal. Routine stool microscopy can identify these infections for effective treatment and improved health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The role of specific pathogens in persistent diarrhea among children in Nepal remains poorly understood.
  • Protozoal parasites are strongly suspected as a primary etiological factor in persistent diarrhea in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between protozoal infections and persistent diarrhea in children under five years of age in Western Nepal.
  • To identify the prevalence of various protozoal agents and their correlation with persistent diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples were analyzed from 253 children with persistent diarrhea, 155 with acute diarrhea (disease controls), and 100 healthy children (normal controls).
  • Microscopic examination was employed to detect protozoal, helminthic, and bacterial infections in the collected stool samples.

Main Results:

  • Protozoal infections were detected in 35.5% of children with persistent diarrhea, with Giardia lamblia (67.7%) and Entamoeba histolytica (27.7%) being the most common.
  • Helminthic infections were found in 24.9% and bacterial infections in 12.6% of children with persistent diarrhea.
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were associated with HIV infection and severe malnutrition in children with persistent diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Protozoal infections are a significant contributor to persistent diarrhea in young children in Western Nepal.
  • Routine stool microscopy is recommended for diagnosing persistent diarrhea, enabling targeted treatment and effective public health interventions.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of protozoal infections, coupled with health education, can help control persistent diarrhea and improve child health outcomes.

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