FREQUENCY OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND RISK FACTORS RELATED TO CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN UNDER 5–YEAR OLD HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN DUE TO DIARRHEA

Background: Recently Cryptosporidium has gained much attention as a clinically human pathogen in immunocompromised cases and young children. This study investigated frequency and risk factors related to cryptosporidiosis in under 5–year old children. Patients and methods: Stools were examined by ELISA method to detect Cryptosporidium surface antigen (CSA) using Remel Prospect Cryptosporidium (monoclonal) Microplate Assay. Stool samples were collected from children at admission and were kept at –70oC until examination. Data were collected by a standard questionnaire and analysed in Epi info 2002 software. Results: Of 171 children, 8(5%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. Most of the cases (6 cases) aged 2-12 months. Boys were more frequently infected than girls (p<0.05). Meanwhile, cryptosporidiosis was associated with less breastfeeding and lower birth weight (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results revealed that the frequency of cryptosporidiosis was similar to other parts of the world. Similarly, lower birth weight, less breast-feeding and male gender were associated with a higher frequency of cryptosporidiosis.