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Prevalence and identification of Cryptosporidium species in paediatric patients with diarrhoea

U M Sirisena1, W M D R Iddawela, F Noordeen

  • 1Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. devikaiddawela@yahoo.com.

The Ceylon Medical Journal
|October 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium infection affects 5.7% of children with diarrhoea in Sri Lanka, particularly those under three years old. Boiling water is recommended to prevent transmission of this common cause of childhood watery diarrhoea.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Paediatrics

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrhoeal disease globally.
  • Understanding its prevalence and risk factors in specific populations is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children presenting with diarrhoea in Sri Lanka.
  • To identify associated risk factors and species of Cryptosporidium using molecular methods.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples were collected from 138 children with diarrhoea and 100 healthy controls.
  • Samples were screened for Cryptosporidium oocysts using Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 5.7% among children with diarrhoea.
  • Infection was predominantly observed in children under 3 years of age, often associated with watery diarrhoea and history of animal contact.
  • Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in one positive case.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptosporidium is an important aetiological agent of childhood watery diarrhoea in Sri Lanka.
  • Routine stool examination for oocysts and boiling water are recommended preventive measures.
  • Further molecular studies are needed to identify other Cryptosporidium species prevalent in the region.
Abstract

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