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Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infections in Children: A Review

Blandina T Mmbaga1, Eric R Houpt2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania 0255.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|July 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Diarrheal disease, a major child killer, is often caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This review covers their global prevalence, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of mortality in children in developing nations.
  • Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia are significant contributors to childhood diarrheal illness.
  • The prevalence and impact of these protozoan infections are critical public health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current global prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia infections.
  • To summarize contemporary diagnostic methods for these parasitic infections.
  • To outline current management approaches for patients with Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of global prevalence data.
  • Analysis of diagnostic techniques for intestinal protozoa.
  • Synthesis of current clinical guidelines for treatment.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrhea in young children, with increasing relevance.
  • Giardia lamblia is associated with diarrhea and potential growth faltering in impoverished children.
  • The review synthesizes global epidemiological data and clinical management strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Effective diagnosis and management of Cryptosporidium and Giardia are crucial for reducing childhood mortality.
  • Understanding global prevalence informs public health interventions.
  • Further research into optimal treatment strategies is warranted.

Keywords:
ChildrenCryptosporidiumDiarrhea

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