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Cyclospora Infection among School Children in Kathmandu, Nepal: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors
Dinesh Bhandari1, Sarmila Tandukar1, Hiramani Parajuli2
1Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Public Health Research Laboratory and Microbiology.
Insights
Cyclospora cayetanensis infection affects children in developing countries. Risk factors include contaminated water, raw produce, and livestock, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cyclospora cayetanensis is an intestinal protozoan causing parasitic diarrhea in children in developing nations.
- This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Cyclospora infection among school children in Kathmandu.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in school children in Kathmandu.
- To identify associated risk factors contributing to the spread of Cyclospora.
Main Methods:
- Examined 507 stool samples from children aged 3-14 years in Kathmandu schools (May-November 2014).
- Utilized a modified acid-fast staining technique (Kinyoun's method) on formal-ether concentrated samples to detect Cyclospora oocysts.
Main Results:
- Cyclospora was detected in 3.94% (20/507) of samples.
- Prevalence was highest in the 3-5 year age group (10.15%) and peaked during the rainy season.
- Higher detection rates were associated with diarrheal symptoms, household livestock, and consumption of raw fruits/vegetables.
Conclusions:
- Untreated water, unwashed raw produce, and home livestock are predisposing factors for Cyclospora infection.
- Children are susceptible to infection via contaminated food and water, posing a public health risk.
- Findings underscore the need for interventions to prevent Cyclospora transmission in vulnerable populations.
Background:
The intestinal coccidian protozoa Cyclospora cayetanensis has emerged as an important cause of parasitic diarrhea among children living in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cyclospora among the school children of Kathmandu with reference to various associated risk factors.
Methodology:
A total of five hundred and seven stool samples from students between the age of 3-14 years, studying in 13 different schools in Kathmandu were collected during the study period (May-November, 2014) and processed at the Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. A modified acid fast staining technique (Kinyoun's method) was used to detect oocyst of Cyclospora from the formal-ether concentrated stool samples.
Results:
Cyclospora was detected in 3.94% (20/507) of the stool samples examined. The prevalence was found to be highest among the students in the 3-5 year age group i.e. 10.15% (13/128), peaking during the rainy season (June-August). The detection rate was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) among children presenting with diarrheal symptoms, household keeping livestock and consumers of raw vegetables/fruits, showing a prevalence of 10.57% (11/104), 10.11% (9/89) and 7.25% (14/193) respectively.
Conclusion:
Consumption of untreated drinking water, fresh produce (raw fruits/vegetables) without proper washing and the presence of livestock at home were found to be predisposing factors for higher susceptibility of infection due to Cyclospora. This finding confirms the existence of a public-health issue with potentially serious consequences whereby children can be infected through exposure to oocysts in contaminated food and water and get ill as a result.
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