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Cryptosporidiosis in north Indian children
Insights
Cryptosporidium parasites were found in 5.0% of young children with acute diarrhea. These infections were the sole identified pathogen, leading to moderate dehydration, and were more common in breast-fed infants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a significant health concern in children under two.
- Identifying causative pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and public health.
- Cryptosporidium is a known cause of diarrheal illness in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in children under two with acute diarrhea.
- To investigate the association between Cryptosporidium infection and other enteric pathogens.
- To describe the clinical presentation and risk factors in Cryptosporidium-positive cases.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 100 children with acute diarrhea (study group) and 50 age/sex-matched controls were analyzed.
- Direct wet mounts, concentration techniques, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining were employed.
- Samples were screened for parasitic infections.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium was detected in 5.0% of the study group; none were found in controls.
- No concurrent bacterial or parasitic pathogens were identified in Cryptosporidium-positive cases.
- Diarrhea lasted 6-16 days, causing moderate dehydration; 4 out of 5 positive cases were breast-fed.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is a relevant pathogen in acute diarrhea among children under two.
- In this cohort, Cryptosporidium infections occurred as a monopathogen.
- Breastfeeding may be associated with Cryptosporidium infection in this age group.
Abstract:
Stool samples of 100 children (below 2 years of age) with acute diarrhea as study group and 50 non-diarrheal stools of children (age and sex matched) as control were examined for parasites. The samples were processed and examined by direct wet mounts, concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The prevalence of cryptosporidium was 5.0% in the study group while none of the controlled samples showed it. In all cryptosporidium positive cases, no other bacterial or parasitic pathogen could be detected. Diarrhea persisted for 6-16 days and was moderate resulting in dehydration, which was rapidly corrected by oral/or intravenous fluids. Out of 5 cryptosporidium positive children 4 were breast-fed while 1 received bottle feeding. Only one positive case had contact with petdog.