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Evaluating respiratory cryptosporidiosis in pediatric diarrheal disease: protocol for a prospective, observational

Wongani Nyangulu1, Wes Van Voorhis2, Pui-Ying Iroh Tam3,4,5

  • 1Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi. wnyangulu@mlw.mw.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|August 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates respiratory cryptosporidiosis in African children with diarrhea. Understanding this link is crucial for reducing childhood mortality and malnutrition caused by Cryptosporidium infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Public health in Africa

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young African children, linked to mortality, stunting, and malnutrition.
  • While intestinal disease is common, respiratory cryptosporidiosis occurs in up to a third of children with diarrhea.
  • The role of respiratory involvement as a transient issue or a reservoir for gastrointestinal disease remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of respiratory cryptosporidiosis in pediatric diarrheal disease.
  • To investigate the potential link between respiratory and gastrointestinal Cryptosporidium infections in children.
  • To assess the impact of respiratory cryptosporidiosis on disease outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, observational study at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.
  • Enrollment of hospitalized children aged 2-24 months with diarrhea.
  • Collection of induced sputum, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, and stool samples for PCR testing.
  • Fortnightly follow-up for 8 weeks post-discharge, including sample collection and monitoring for symptoms, mortality, and stunting.

Main Results:

  • Study began recruitment in February 2019, with expansion to secondary sites if needed.
  • Recruitment is anticipated to continue until early 2020.
  • Primary outcome: presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in sputum, NP, and stool samples.

Conclusions:

  • The study aims to clarify the significance of respiratory cryptosporidiosis in pediatric diarrheal disease.
  • Findings will inform strategies to combat Cryptosporidium-related morbidity and mortality in children.
  • Understanding the respiratory-GI transmission dynamics is key to improving child health outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenCryptosporidiosisCryptosporidium spp.Gastrointestinal diseaseProspective studyRespiratory infection

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