Cryptosporidiosis Provoking Diarrhea Among Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Children

Abstract

Cryptosporidium intestinal coccidian is a preeminent account for infectious diarrhea with reference to children. Oocyst may escape ordinary microscopic analysis or immune detection; molecular techniques are of convenient use. This study intent to detect cryptosporidiosis infection among children, and debates risks for infection. A total of 189 children with age range from under one to five complaining of gastrointestinal manifestations were examined coproscopically, by acid fast stain, ELISA and nested PCR (nPCR) for Cryptosporidium from June to September. Infection was proved by nPCR among 13 (6.8%) samples. ELISA sensitivity merit stool staining (77%, 53.8%, respectively), however all positive samples by microscopy were settled by nPCR. Age groups (P = 0.02) were statistically associated with infection. Source of water (OR=0.069, 95% CI= 0.004/1.165, P = 0.01) and presence of undigested food particles on microscopy (OR= 1.058, 95% CI= 0.521/6.154, P = 0.02) were risks for infections. No other variables were predicated risks. Infection was potent among preschool children (46.2%), toddlers (38.5%) and then infants (15.4%). Cryptosporidiosis should be doubtful among children with diarrhea during preschool age. Source of water for ordinary drinking activities or for infants with non-exclusive breast or complementary feeding should be considered as hazards aspects for acquiring Cryptosporidium.