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Seasonality of cryptosporidiosis in children
A Clavel1, J L Olivares, J Fleta
1Departamento de Microbiología, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
Insights
Cryptosporidiosis in children in Aragón, Spain, shows a higher prevalence during autumn and winter. This parasitic infection was most common in toddlers aged 1-3 years, suggesting potential links to childcare attendance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Parasitology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of pediatric gastrointestinal illness.
- Understanding its seasonal patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous studies have indicated seasonal variations in cryptosporidiosis, but regional data, especially from Spain, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seasonal distribution of cryptosporidiosis in children residing in Aragón, Spain.
- To identify age-specific prevalence rates and seasonal trends.
- To explore potential factors influencing the observed distribution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 10,034 stool samples from 4,508 children (1 month to 14 years) with gastrointestinal symptoms over a six-year period (1988-1994).
- Identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts using standard parasitological techniques.
- Statistical analysis to compare prevalence rates between seasons and age groups.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 1.93% (87/4508).
- Prevalence peaked in children aged 1 to 3 years (6.20%).
- Significantly higher prevalence was observed during autumn-winter (Oct-Mar) compared to spring-summer (Apr-Sep) for the overall population (2.41% vs. 1.35%, p=0.010) and the 1-3 year age group (8.44% vs. 3.20%, p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidiosis in children in Aragón exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with a higher incidence during colder months.
- Young children, particularly those aged 1-3 years, are most affected.
- Attendance at child care centers is suggested as a potential contributing factor to the observed seasonal distribution.
Abstract:
The seasonal distribution of cryptosporidiosis in children in Aragón, a region in northeastern Spain, was determined. Over a period of six years (October 1988 to September 1994), 10,034 stool samples from 4,508 children with gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed for this purpose. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 14 years. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in 87 (1.93%) patients. Prevalence was highest (6.20%) in children aged 1 to 3 years old. The prevalence was significantly higher in the autumn-winter period (October to March) than in the spring-summer period (April to September) in the whole population (2.41% vs. 1.35%, p = 0.010) and in the 1- to 3-year-old age group (8.44% vs. 3.20%, p = 0.002), but not in the other age groups. A possible relationship of this pattern to attendance at child care centres is suggested.