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Cryptosporidiosis in a hospital-associated day care center

C L Combee, M L Collinge, E M Britt

    Pediatric Infectious Disease
    |September 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cryptosporidium caused a diarrheal outbreak in a hospital day care center, affecting 64% of children. Symptoms like diarrhea and fever lasted up to 4 weeks, with oocyst excretion up to 48 days.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal illness in young children.
    • Day care centers can facilitate the transmission of infectious agents among vulnerable populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify the causative agent of a diarrheal outbreak in a hospital-associated day care center.
    • To characterize the clinical presentation and duration of symptoms associated with the outbreak.

    Main Methods:

    • Stool samples from 54 children were analyzed for parasites (including Cryptosporidium and Giardia), Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.
    • Parental questionnaires were used to gather information on symptom severity and duration.

    Main Results:

    • Cryptosporidium was detected in 27 out of 42 (64%) children tested.
    • Common symptoms included diarrhea, fever, anorexia, and malaise.
    • Oocyst excretion persisted for up to 48 days post-symptom onset; staff and family members were also infected.

    Conclusions:

    • Cryptosporidium was the primary pathogen responsible for the diarrheal outbreak in the day care facility.
    • Cryptosporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrheal illness in young children, particularly those attending day care.

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