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Cryptosporidiosis among orphanage children in Thailand: a one year prospective study
S Jongwutiwes1, P Kraivichian, M Kulkumthorn
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic infection, affected 7.3% of diarrheal cases in Thai orphanage children. Most infections occurred in children under three, with symptoms lasting an average of 6.6 days.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Parasitic infections, including cryptosporidiosis, pose a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
- Orphanage settings can present unique challenges for disease transmission and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in orphanage children in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and epidemiological factors associated with cryptosporidiosis in this population.
Main Methods:
- A modified cold Kinyoun acid-fast technique was employed to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal specimens.
- Data were collected from children with and without diarrhea over a one-year period.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in 7.3% (22/303) of children with diarrhea, but none in asymptomatic children (0/513).
- Infection was most prevalent in children under three years old, with diarrhea lasting a mean of 6.6 days.
- High rates of other parasitic infections (38.1%) were also observed in the study population.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidiosis is a notable cause of diarrhea among orphanage children in this region.
- The findings highlight the importance of parasitic infection surveillance in institutionalized children, particularly in tropical climates during warmer months.
Abstract:
The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and other parasitic infections was studied among the orphanage children in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, during May 1986--April 1987. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in fecal specimens of 22 out of 303 diarrheal cases (7.3%) by using a modified cold Kinyoun acid-fast technique. None were found among 513 children without diarrhea. Most of the cryptosporidiosis cases were those under 3 years old. The duration of diarrhea in 20 cases varied from 1 to 25 days (mean = 6.6 days). All cases recovered uneventfully without repeated infection. No sexual preponderance was found. Most of the infections were documented during March to June when both temperature and rainfall were high. It was also noted that these children had high rates of other parasitic infections, 38.1% of the total population. Thus, cryptosporidiosis was not uncommon among children with diarrhea and could be detected almost throughout the year.