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Prevalence of cryptosporidium in children with acute diarrhea
Insights
Cryptosporidium, a cause of diarrhea in humans, was investigated in children. This intestinal protozoa was found in 4.4% of children with acute gastroenteritis, indicating its role in human diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptosporidium is an intestinal protozoan parasite.
- It is a known cause of diarrhea in animals.
- Recently, it has been recognized as a cause of human diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhea in children.
- To investigate the role of this parasite in pediatric gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples were collected from 180 children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis.
- Faecal samples were also collected from 100 healthy, normal children.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium was detected in 8 out of 180 (4.4%) stool samples from children with acute diarrhea.
- No Cryptosporidium was found in the stool samples from the 100 normal children.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is a contributing factor in the etiology of human diarrhea in children.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering Cryptosporidium in the diagnosis of pediatric gastroenteritis.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium is an intestinal protozoa known to cause diarrhea in animals and more recently has been recognised as a cause of diarrhea in humans. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhea in children. Faecal samples of 180 children admitted to the hospital for acute gastroenteritis and from 100 normal children were analysed. Eight out of 180 (4.4%) stools from children with acute diarrhea and none from normal showed cryptosporidi. We conclude that this parasite does play a role in the etiology of human diarrhea.