Frequency of cryptosporidium in childhood diarrhoea--importance of modified acid fast technique.

BACKGROUND: One of the important causes of childhood diarrhoea is cryptosporidium, a parasitic pathogen which is usually overlooked. This study was therefore designed to show the importance of modified acid fast stain in the diagnosis of cryptosporidium in childhood diarrhoea. METHODS: Stool samples from 300 children with prolonged diarrhoea were examined by modified acid fast staining a long with wet mounts in saline and iodine. RESULTS: Out of 300 samples five (1.7%) were diagnosed as positive for cryptosporidium. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that Cryptosporidiosis exists as a cause of diarrhoeal illness in our society. It was also noted that modified acid fast staining of stool samples is an important, non-invasive and useful diagnostic technique in identification of cryptosporidium.