Cryptosporidium Infection During Pregnancy and Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes in Israel

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that typically causes self-limited gastroenteritis. Little is known about the course of infection and its impact during pregnancy. This retrospective cohort study conducted in Israel assessed the effects of Cryptosporidium infection on pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes. The study population included pregnant women with a positive PCR stool test for Cryptosporidium and a control group of pregnant women with negative tests, matched at a 3:1 ratio based on age, gestational week, and sector. Their medical records were retrieved for symptoms, treatments, pregnancy termination, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, and head circumference. Fisher's exact or chi-squared tests were used to determine significance. Between January 2020 and December 2023, 2512 pregnant women underwent PCR stool testing. Of these, 93 were positive for Cryptosporidium, mostly in 2022. Their median age was 31 (range: 23-42 years), and 77.4% were from medium-high socioeconomic status. The most common symptom was diarrhea (90/93, 96.7%). The infection was self-limiting in all cases, with none requiring specific treatment. No significant differences were found in miscarriage rate, delivery week, birth weight, Apgar score, or head circumference compared to the controls. This study illuminates the clinical course of Cryptosporidium infection in pregnant women, emphasizing a generally favorable outcome without the necessity for therapeutic intervention.