Risk Factors and Seasonality for Cryptosporidiosis Among Yemeni Children

Abstract

Few studies have been conducted on risk factors and seasonality for cryptosporidiosis from developing countries. The current study was conducted to determine prevalence, risk factors and seasonality for cryptosporidiosis among children in Sana'a city, Yemen. Using cross-sectional approach, a sample of 1253 diarrheic children aged 6-<12 years with mean 8.6+1.7 year were surveyed over a period of one year. Single fecal specimens were collected and modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast staining of formalin- ether concentrate feces were examined for detection of Cryptosporidium. The rate of infection was 13.8% (173 of 1253), and mild oocysts-excretors of them represented the highest percentage(43.4%). Results indicated that, use of public and/ or well water for drinking, contact with animals, and mother’s illiteracy were the risk factors that significantly associated with infection(P<0.05) in diarrheic children. A higher incidence of infection was recorded during the rainy summer season through July to September. In addition, 13 specimens were collected from children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; Cryptosporidium was detected in feces of 5(38.5%) and 6 (46.2%) children by Kinyoun’s and immunochromatographic (ICT) techniques respectively.