Determination of the occurrence frequency of cryptosporidium sp. In children brought to the hospital with the complaint of diarrhea using different methods

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a parasite responsible for diarrhea in humans. Practitioners rarely routinely request Cryptosporidium diagnostic tests; thus, its prevalence is likely underrated. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among children brought to the hospital with the complaint of diarrhea was investigated using 3 different methods, comprising nested PCR, immunochromatographic testing, and microscopic examination with modified acid-fast staining. Cryptosporidium sp. was detected in 42/150 children with diarrhea (28%) and in 1/50 children in the control group (2%). The main complaint by children admitted to hospital with Cryptosporidium was diarrhea. Additionally, some clinical symptoms/signs like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stool mucus, weakness, weight loss, and anorexia were correlated with cryptosporidiosis. Results from the 3 methods were compared and nested PCR and immunochromatographic testing were the most reliable. Among other pathogens and parasites found in stool samples, Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of hospitalization due to gastrointestinal disease in children in Van, Turkey. © 2021, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.