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[Cryptosporidiosis in children: epidemics and sporadic cases]
S Bretagne1, J Jacovella, J Breuil
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculté de Medicine, Creteil.
Insights
Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea in young children, particularly in daycare settings. This parasitic infection was frequently detected in children experiencing gastroenteritis, highlighting its prevalence in group environments.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Gastroenteritis outbreak in a Paris hospital daycare.
- Investigation of parasitic causes of diarrhea in young children.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in children attending daycare.
- To assess the clinical presentation of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent children.
Summary:
- Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in 21% of stool samples during an outbreak and 5% of diarrhea episodes prospectively.
- Two hospitalized children (1.4%) showed Cryptosporidium infection with failure to thrive.
- The study indicates Cryptosporidium is a frequent cause of diarrhea in immunocompetent children in group settings.
Impact:
- Highlights the significance of Cryptosporidium in pediatric diarrhea.
- Suggests the need for further research into the clinical spectrum of cryptosporidiosis.
- Informs public health strategies for infection control in childcare facilities.
Abstract:
From April 16 1987 through May 16 1987, during an outbreak of gastroenteritis, stool specimens were obtained from 53 children aged 18 to 36 months among the 90 children attending an on-site day-care center for the staff of a large teaching hospital in the Paris urban area (59%). Oocysts of Cryptosporidium were found in 11 specimens (21%) using an auramine staining technique. Children with diarrhea were more likely to have stools containing Cryptosporidium (p less than 0.01). Subsequently, a prospective study was carried out in the same day care center from July 1987 through January 1988. Among the 103 episodes of diarrhea observed during the study period, there were five cases of cryptosporidiosis (5%). In all these cases, diarrhea was moderate and resolved within ten days. Furthermore, among 148 hospitalized children aged 2 months to 10 years, 2 (1.4%) had positive stool specimens for Cryptosporidium and significant failure to thrive. Thus, Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea in immunocompetent children, especially in child group settings. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of the clinical patterns of this parasitic disease.