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Published on: March 22, 2012
Clinical Performance of Lateral Flow Assay for Cryptosporidium spp. Diagnosis
Miriam Campos-Ruiz1,2, Clara Flamarich3, Anabel Fernández-Navarro1,2
1Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium spp. is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite associated with gastroenteritis in humans. In 2018, Spain showed 1511 confirmed cases, with a growing trend since 2014. Despite this fact, Cryptosporidium spp. is not usually routinely examined when a parasitological study is ordered, although accurate diagnosis is fundamental to prevent the spread of the illness. The main objectives of the present work is to demonstrate the circulation and to study the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in patients who were being tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in the faeces in the Metropolitan North Area of Barcelona, Maresme, and Vallés Occidental using a two-step algorithm. The stool samples were analysed using the Cryptosporidium/Giardia spp. immunochromatographic test; the positive samples were visualised under a microscope using auramine staining. The proportion of Cryptosporidium spp. cases was around 2% in the studied patients, with a pronounced seasonal incidence peak in late summer-early autumn. In our cohort, weight loss was the main symptom related to confirmed cases. The mean age of confirmed patients was 19 years old, and they were younger than the unconfirmed group. Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the parasites that currently circulate in many areas in Europe. Prevalence must be taken into account for active searching.
Insights
Cryptosporidium parasites cause gastroenteritis in humans. This study found a 2% prevalence in Barcelona, with a peak in late summer and autumn, highlighting the need for routine testing.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Public Health Microbiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium species are apicomplexan protozoan parasites responsible for human gastroenteritis.
- Spain reported a growing trend of 1511 confirmed cases in 2018.
- Accurate diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is crucial for preventing disease spread, yet it's often overlooked in routine parasitological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circulation and epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in patients tested for Cryptosporidium spp. in the Metropolitan North Area of Barcelona, Maresme, and Vallés Occidental.
- To assess the prevalence and identify key epidemiological characteristics of cryptosporidiosis in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A two-step diagnostic algorithm was employed for stool sample analysis.
- The Cryptosporidium/Giardia spp. immunochromatographic test was used for initial screening.
- Positive samples were confirmed via microscopic examination with auramine staining.
Main Results:
- Approximately 2% of the studied patients tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp.
- A distinct seasonal incidence peak was observed in late summer and early autumn.
- Weight loss was the primary symptom in confirmed cases, who were younger on average (19 years) than unconfirmed individuals.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium spp. is actively circulating in the studied European region.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering cryptosporidiosis prevalence in diagnostic strategies.
- Active surveillance and routine testing are recommended for effective control of cryptosporidiosis.
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