[Cryptosporidiosis in children]

Cryptosporidiosis in Children. During an 11-month survey, Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in the stools of 20 of 142 children admitted with gastroenteritis. Five of these 20 patients also excreted other enteropathogens. The clinical findings in 18 children infected with cryptosporidia could be analyzed. All patients were immunocompetent. Watery diarrhea, vomiting and anorexia were the most frequent symptoms. Differences in the clinical findings were observed between children aged one to two years and older children. The older children remained ill for 4.1 days compared to 19.9 days in the younger children. The younger children also presented a history of recurrent diarrhea. Problems of etiology and therapy are discussed. Cryptosporidia should be considered as a cause of diarrhea in children.