Abstract
The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the principal reasons for childhood diarrhea around the world. This work aimed to differentiate Cryptosporidium species among children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt. A total of 97 fecal specimens were taken from children suffering from diarrhea, attending Pediatric Clinics of Zagazig University and Al-Ahrar Hospitals. Full history was taken. Stool samples were examined microscopically using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. To identify Cryptosporidium genotypes, positive samples were then subjected to nested Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism targeting Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. The overall detection rate was 27.8% (27/97) using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain staining method. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, the gene was amplified in 85.2% (23/27). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that 65.2% (15/23) were Cryptosporidium hominis, 30.4% (7/23) were Cryptosporidium parvum, and one sample was not typed (4.4%). The significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in children were animal contact and residence in rural areas. Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite affecting children in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt, with the predominance of C. hominis genotype in children.
Highlights
The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the principal reasons for childhood diarrhea around the world
The positive samples by modified Ziehl–Neelsen stain (MZN) stain were subjected to nested PCR targeting Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene
Nested PCR-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed the presence of 2 genotypes: 15 (65.2%) had genotype I (C. hominis), 7 (30.4%) had genotype II (C. parvum)
Summary
The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the principal reasons for childhood diarrhea around the world. This work aimed to differentiate Cryptosporidium species among children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt. To identify Cryptosporidium genotypes, positive samples were subjected to nested Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism targeting Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite affecting children in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt, with the predominance of C. hominis genotype in children. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that has been recognized as a predominant and virulent agent of childhood diarrhea [1]. Cryptosporidium infection may be acquired through contaminated water, contaminated food, direct contact with infected persons or infected animals [3] It has been recognized as a main organism in contaminated drinking water as it is resistant to conventional drinking water treatment procedures [4]. Other species such as C. meleagridis, C. canis, C. felis, C. muris, C. viatorum, and C. suis can infect human [7]
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