Cryptosporidium as a pathogen for diarrhoea in Bangladesh

Cryptosporidiosis, a zoonosis caused by Cryptosporidium species is a newly recognized coccidial protozoan infection causing diarrhoea in humans. Using a modified acid fast technique, the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has been screening a 4% sample of diarrhoea patients attending the ICDDR,B diarrhoea treatment center for Cryptosporidium in their stools as a part of an ongoing surveillance program. Positive specimens were confirmed by the standard Giemsa method. Cryptosporidia were identified predominantly in young children and were associated with watery diarrhoea, vomiting, cough and mild to moderate dehydration. The protozoan had a seasonal pattern with an increase in the hot, humid weather. We conclude that Cryptosporidium infection is relatively common in children in Bangladesh and may be responsible for a significant proportion of diarrhoea in this area.