Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum Among Children At Wasit Province

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important enteric parasite among infants and children in Wasit Province. The present study was conducted from September to December 2011 in Al-Karamah Teaching Hospital in Wasit Province. Children aged 1 month to 12 years presenting with acute or persistent diarrhea were selected randomly. The oocyst of C. parvum was investigated in stool specimens using a modified acid-fast staining method. A total of 100 feces samples of children (55 male and 45 female) were examined. Fifty (50%) specimens were oocyst positive. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher (59%) in children under one year old compared to children between (7-12)years old(4%). Most of the infected children were had anemia. The infective rate of Cryptosporidium parvum in males was higher 27% than females 23% . Also, there was no significant difference among children in gender.