Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidium species are coccidian parasites that infect the digestive
and respiratory systems of vertebrates. Transmission from animals to humans especially
in rural areas was reported. Children are more prone particularly in unhygienic places.
Cryptosporidiosis infections originate from public swimming pools, common meals,
water wells and unhygienic drinking water sources.
Objective: This cross-sectional study, conducted in Sohag Governorate, Egypt,
determined the prevalence of intestinal cryptosporidiosis in children and identified the
risk factors for infection. The results may facilitate evaluation of the endemic level of
intestinal cryptosporidiosis and determine whether widespread or focal measures of
parasite control are required.
Participants and Methods: After obtaining official permission and providing the study
design, consents were obtained from the parents of all children. 400 children aged
between 1-12 years at nursery/primary schools of Sohag were enrolled. Each participant
was specified with a detailed data collection questionnaire. General and abdominal
clinical assessment and stool examination by modified Zeihl-Neelsen stain were done.
Results: The study showed that the over-all infection rate among the examined group
was 40%. Infection was more prevalent in males (45%) than in females (33%),
particularly among the age group from 6 to12 years. Higher infection rates were
detected in rural areas (60%) than urban areas (20%). Prevalence increased in summer
(55.5%), spring (33.3%) and autumn (25%) and decreased in winter (12.5%).
Conclusions: Cryptosporidium infection is prevalent among the investigated Egyptian
children with variable infection rate with respect to child age and season.