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Dărăbuș G, Lupu MA, Mederle N, Dărăbuș RG, Imre K, Mederle O, Imre M, Paduraru AA, Morariu S, Olariu TR. Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Romania: A Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1793. [PMID: 37512965 PMCID: PMC10384979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1983, when the first report of a human Cryptosporidium spp. infection was published in Romania, and until now, many studies on cryptosporidiosis have been published in our country, but most of them are in the Romanian language and in national journals less accessible to international scientific databases. Although the infection was first recognized as a problem in children or immunocompromised people or more of a problem in low-income or underdeveloped global countries, we have shown in this review that it can also occur in people with normal immunological function and that the epidemiology of our country can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of a Cryptosporidium spp. prevention strategy. In addition, 9.1% of healthy children and 73% of immunocompromised children were observed to have Cryptosporidium spp. infections. Higher rates have also been reported in immunocompromised adults (1.8-50%). Analyzing the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in animals, we found values of 28.52% in cattle, 18% in buffalo calves, between 27.8 and 60.4% in pigs, 52.7% in dogs, and 29.4% in cats. Furthermore, in Romania, the burden of cryptosporidiosis, including acute infections and long-term sequelae, is currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Georgiana Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Kalman Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Azami M, Amini Rarani S, Kiani F. Treatment of Urticaria caused by severe cryptosporidiosis in a 17-month-old child - a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:461. [PMID: 37430189 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is an intracellular protozoan that causes gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and animals. In immunocompromised patients and children under 5 years of age, the infection is severe and can be life-threatening due to severe diarrhea. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of urticaria associated with Cryptosporidium in a 17-month-old female Iranian child. The patient had moderate diarrhea (> 3 loose, watery stools but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day), weight loss, and acute urticarial (rash clears completely within 6 weeks). Since the child's father worked in livestock farming, the parasite may have been transferred from the cow or calve to the house and the child. Several Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the modified acid-fast staining of the child's stool sample. The patient was successfully treated with nitazoxanide (100 mg twice daily) and became negative for parasites three days after treatment and one week after discharge from the hospital. The child was observed to produce < 3 loose stools in the previous 24 h after 1-week post-treatment and after 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION A number of parasites are associated with urticaria, but to our knowledge, there is no information on Cryptosporidium-induced urticaria. Therefore, our result may be evidence for the role of this parasite in the development of urticaria if other causes such as food allergies, autoimmune diseases and etc. don't role in urticaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Azami
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Basir Laboratory Research and Development Center, Basir Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Isfahan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Microbiology, Hojjatieh Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Hojjatieh Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Saeid Amini Rarani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Department of Operating Room, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kiani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Microbiology, Hojjatieh Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Hojjatieh Hospital, Isfahan, Iran
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Mensah GT, Ayeh-Kumi PF, Annang AK, Owusu-Frimpong I, Niampoma S, Brown CA. Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Kpong and its environs, Ghana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281216. [PMID: 36827402 PMCID: PMC9956599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogen infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife worldwide. It is a waterborne pathogen with recognized zoonotic potential and a definite cause of diarrhea and nutritional disorders in institutional and community settings. One challenge facing the world's supply of clean drinking water is contamination from feces and soil. It has been established that small quantities of oocysts, the infective stage, can cause human disease. Also, their resistance to chlorination and other water treatment procedures has been demonstrated. Kpong, a community in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana, is one of the primary sources of water supply to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Being able to determine the effectiveness of water treatment processes and identifying sources of contamination of this pathogen in our water bodies is thus of public health importance. The study aimed to conduct molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 230 samples, 180 fecal samples from cattle and 50 water samples (tap water and well water) were collected from the following communities: Kpong, Akwernor, Ablotsi, Nuaso, and Atua, all in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. Samples were screened for Cryptosporidium by microscopy and PCR. The 18S rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the final product was sequenced. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium from the fecal samples was estimated as 10% (18/180) by microscopy, while all 50 water samples were negative. However, PCR gave the prevalence of Cryptosporidium as 47.8% (86/180) for fecal samples and 20% (10/50) for water samples. Based on the 18S rRNA gene, three sequenced samples showed high homology to C. parvum species. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed this as these sequences clustered with C. parvum sequences from other countries. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Cryptosporidium parvum was identified as the persistent species in the study communities. This outcome supports the evidence that domesticated animals serve as potential reservoirs of zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis. The persistence of cryptosporidiosis in cattle indicates its presence in the human population. In addition, the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in the wells makes it alarming and necessary to consider a holistic approach such as One Health Strategies to identify and control cases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T. Mensah
- Environmental Biology, Health, and Biotechnology Division, CSIR- Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail: (GTM); (CAB)
| | - Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Ghana
| | - Abraham K. Annang
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Isaac Owusu-Frimpong
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, CSIR–Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sena Niampoma
- Environmental Biology, Health, and Biotechnology Division, CSIR- Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles A. Brown
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Ghana
- * E-mail: (GTM); (CAB)
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Kabir F, Iqbal J, Jamil Z, Iqbal NT, Mallawaarachchi I, Aziz F, Kalam A, Muneer S, Hotwani A, Ahmed S, Umrani F, Syed S, Sadiq K, Ma JZ, Moore SR, Ali A. Impact of enteropathogens on faltering growth in a resource-limited setting. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1081833. [PMID: 36704796 PMCID: PMC9871909 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1081833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental enteropathy is an important contributor to childhood malnutrition in the developing world. Chronic exposure to fecal pathogens leads to alteration in intestinal structure and function, resulting in impaired gut immune function, malabsorption, and growth faltering leading to environmental enteropathy. Methods A community-based intervention study was carried out on children till 24 months of age in Matiari district, Pakistan. Blood and fecal specimens were collected from the enrolled children aged 3-6 and 9 months. A real-time PCR-based TaqMan array card (TAC) was used to detect enteropathogens. Results Giardia, Campylobacter spp., enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Cryptosporidium spp. were the most prevailing enteropathogens in terms of overall positivity at both time points. Detection of protozoa at enrollment and 9 months was negatively correlated with rate of change in height-for-age Z (ΔHAZ) scores during the first and second years of life. A positive association was found between Giardia, fecal lipocalin (LCN), and alpha 1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP), while Campylobacter spp. showed positive associations with neopterin (NEO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Conclusion Protozoal colonization is associated with a decline in linear growth velocity during the first 2 years of life in children living in Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) endemic settings. Mechanistic studies exploring the role of cumulative microbial colonization, their adaptations to undernutrition, and their influence on gut homeostasis are required to understand symptomatic enteropathogen-induced growth faltering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan Kabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Iqbal
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Jamil
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Najeeha Talat Iqbal
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Indika Mallawaarachchi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Fatima Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adil Kalam
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sahrish Muneer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aneeta Hotwani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sheraz Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fayaz Umrani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sana Syed
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kamran Sadiq
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jennie Z. Ma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sean R. Moore
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States,*Correspondence: Sean R. Moore,
| | - Asad Ali
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Asad Ali,
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Talebi R, Javadi Mamaghani A, Kheirandish F, Karimi A, Ebrahimzadeh F, Kazempour M, Zebardast N, Fallahi S. Molecular evaluation of Cryptosporidium spp. among breeding calves of Lorestan province Western Iran. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:363-371. [PMID: 36534036 PMCID: PMC9857120 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic intestinal protozoans with global distribution and are of great importance as zoonotic protozoans are common to humans and domestic animals, including cattle and calves. Identification and detection of parasite species using precise methods including molecular methods can be an effective step in treating and controlling parasites. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among breeding calves of Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Western Iran, using PCR. METHODS The faecal samples were taken from 181 healthy and diarrhoeal calves and after the Ziehl Neelsen Acid-fast staining and microscopic evaluation, the genomic DNA was extracted for molecular evaluations. To detect Cryptosporidium species, specific primers targeting the SAM-1 gene of Cryptosporidium and a commercial master mix were used for PCR. RESULTS Out of 181 faecal samples of breeding calves in Khorramabad city, 9 samples (5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. using the PCR method. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant statistical relationship between Cryptosporidium infection of the calves and variables of age, breed, type of water consumption, clinical signs of diarrhoea, and sampling location, while parasite infection had a significant relationship with calf gender so that all Cryptosporidium positive samples were from male calves (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Considering the presence of Cryptosporidium infection, the region's traditional grazing system, and the close relationship between livestock and humans, there is a possibility of human infection in the region. So preventive measures such as periodic animal testing with sensitive and accurate diagnostic techniques including PCR, pharmacological treatment of livestock, water hygiene and the use of industrial grazing instead of traditional grazing to improve the hygiene of food consumed by livestock are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Talebi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Hepatitis Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical ScienceKhorramabadIran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Azadeh Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Farzad Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health and NutritionLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Mohamad Kazempour
- Department of ChemistryTabriz BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTabrizIran
| | - Nozhat Zebardast
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterSchool of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Hepatitis Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical ScienceKhorramabadIran
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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever among general people: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010988. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) continues to pose a serious threat to the fragile healthcare system of Pakistan with a continuous increase of morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF among general people who resided in Pakistan.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey design was applied, and a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 1039 adult people from Pakistan. Data were collected from September 08 to October 12, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 32 questions in four parts assessing socio-demographics, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices.
Results
Alarmingly, 51.5% of participants heard about CCHF infection before administering the survey. Among these, 20.2%, 33.3%, and 48.2% of the study participants had demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that education and income status had a significant impact on knowledge and attitudes (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean attitude scores differed significantly by age, education, and income status (p<0.05).
Conclusions
The findings reflected inadequate levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF among general people in Pakistan which may regard as lower than expected. As CCHF is a highly contagious disease, it’s urgent to initiate a comprehensive approach to handle the situation before it spreads further in Pakistan.
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Nipa NJ, Aktar N, Hira HM, Akter F, Jahan D, Islam S, Etando A, Abdullah A, Chowdhury K, Ahmad R, Haq A, Haque M. Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Pediatric Patients in a Metropolitan City of Bangladesh With Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e26927. [PMID: 35865179 PMCID: PMC9293268 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are one of the global health concerns in developing countries like Bangladesh. Among them, Cryptosporidium spp. plays an essential role in causing diarrhea, malnutrition, and poor cognitive function, especially in children. This study was conducted to identify the frequency of Cryptosporidium cases and other parasitic agents. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 219 hospitalized children with diarrhea. The conventional microscopic technique was applied for parasitic detection. Particular staining (modified Ziehl-Neelsen) procedure was performed to identify oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the SSU rRNA and gp60 gene of Cryptosporidium. Results Cysts of Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%,), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), and both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (0.9%) were identified in samples through wet mount preparation. The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. as detected by the staining method and nested PCR was 1.4% and 4.1%, respectively. Conclusion Factors independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection are unsafe water, lack of regular hand washing, and insufficiency of exclusive breastfeeding. This study reports, presumably for the first time, the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Chattogram metropolitan city of Bangladesh.
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Cryptosporidium and colorectal cancer: a review of epidemiology and possible association. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fco-2021-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an important protozoan disease with serious public health implications. The contribution of Cryptosporidium to colorectal cancer is still vaguely studied, but little evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies has suggested a possible association. This review discusses the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and colorectal cancer and attempts to unravel the possible link between the two diseases using epidemiological, pathological, molecular, and immunological evidence. The review stressed the need to undertake more studies in this relatively neglected field.
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Ahmed F, Cappai MG, Morrone S, Cavallo L, Berlinguer F, Dessì G, Tamponi C, Scala A, Varcasia A. Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review. One Health 2021; 13:100327. [PMID: 34584928 PMCID: PMC8455362 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RMBD (acronym of Raw Meat Based Diet) and BARF diets (acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) account dietary regimens based on raw ingredients (including raw meat), popular in pet feeding. Animal tissues and organs as well as other uncooked ingredients are more and more popularly used by pet owners to feed household pets. However, the increased risk of exposure to microbiological and parasitic agents poses the question as to whether such diets may be recommendable to be handled and offered to domestic cats and dogs co-living in domestic and urban environment. Above all, the threat of human and animal infections by parasites from raw meat fed to pets is not sufficiently explored and tracked, meanwhile deserving particular surveillance, instead. At this regard, raw meat feeding to pets may represent a route of exposure to the increased risk of environmental load. In fact, some parasites typically found in rural environment can be given the chance to complete their life-cycle, for the closeness between definitive and intermediate hosts. This is of particular concern, as potentially infected pets serving as definitive hosts can become a continuous source of environmental diffusion of parasites, both at domestic and urban level. The handling of raw meat requires adequate knowledge and awareness of the hygienic principles to prevent the onset of disorders related to both manipulation by pet owners and uncooked food consumption by the pet. This review aimed to shed a comprehensive overview of the hygienic aspects related to raw pet feeding, as to handling of raw meat in domestic environment, with special emphasis on parasitic agents and related zoonotic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ahmed
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Morrone
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Chair of Animal Physiology of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Dessì
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
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Ryan U, Zahedi A, Feng Y, Xiao L. An Update on Zoonotic Cryptosporidium Species and Genotypes in Humans. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3307. [PMID: 34828043 PMCID: PMC8614385 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric parasite, Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal illness in humans and animals worldwide. No effective therapeutics or vaccines are available and therefore control is dependent on understanding transmission dynamics. The development of molecular detection and typing tools has resulted in the identification of a large number of cryptic species and genotypes and facilitated our understanding of their potential for zoonotic transmission. Of the 44 recognised Cryptosporidium species and >120 genotypes, 19 species, and four genotypes have been reported in humans with C. hominis, C. parvum, C. meleagridis, C. canis and C. felis being the most prevalent. The development of typing tools that are still lacking some zoonotic species and genotypes and more extensive molecular epidemiological studies in countries where the potential for transmission is highest are required to further our understanding of this important zoonotic pathogen. Similarly, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS) are important for more accurately tracking transmission and understanding the mechanisms behind host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6152, Australia;
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6152, Australia;
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.F.); (L.X.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.F.); (L.X.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
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AL-Yasary JTO, Faraj AA. Comparison Study about Selected Human Infection of Zoonotic Cryptosporidiosis by Conventional Diagnostic Methods in Karbala Province, Iraq. THE IRAQI JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.30539/ijvm.v45i1.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to detect the Cryptosporidium spp in Karbala province, Iraq from. December 2019 to September 2020. Age, sex, and months interference with parasite prevalence were studied. A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from adults and young and from both sexes of human. Fecal samples were subjected to conventional methods (Flotation Methods by Sheather's sugar solution and stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen) for parasite diagnosis. The result recorded that the infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp was 26%. The age group of 2-6 years had the highest infection rate comparing to other age groups ranged from 12-25 years yet was marginal significant (P<0.06). Regarding sex, there was no significant differences in infection rate, although the males recorded numerically higher rate of prevalence. The rate of infection of Cryptosporidium spp were varied among months, where in February recorded 46.66% in contrast to 10% recorded in July. It can be concluded that variables studied (age, sex, and months) have no influence on Cryptosporidium prevalence in Karbala province.
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McCowin SE, Moreau GB, Haque R, Noble JA, McDevitt SL, Donowitz JR, Alam MM, Kirkpatrick BD, Petri WA, Marie C. HLA class I and II associations with common enteric pathogens in the first year of life. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103346. [PMID: 33910121 PMCID: PMC8093888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND genetic susceptibility to infection is mediated by numerous host factors, including the highly diverse, classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which are critical genetic determinants of immunity. We systematically evaluated the effect of HLA alleles and haplotypes on susceptibility to 12 common enteric infections in children during the first year of life in an urban slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS a birth cohort of 601 Bangladeshi infants was prospectively monitored for diarrhoeal disease. Each diarrhoeal stool sample was analyzed for enteric pathogens by multiplex TaqMan Array Card (TAC). High resolution genotyping of HLA class I (A and B) and II (DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1) genes was performed by next-generation sequencing. We compared the frequency of HLA alleles and haplotypes between infected and uninfected children. FINDINGS we identified six individual allele associations and one five-locus haplotype association. One allele was associated with protection: A*24:02 - EAEC. Five alleles were associated with increased risk: A*24:17 - typical EPEC, B*15:01 - astrovirus, B*38:02 - astrovirus, B*38:02 - Cryptosporidium and DQA1*01:01 - Cryptosporidium. A single five-locus haplotype was associated with protection: A*11:01~B*15:02~DRB1*12:02~DQA1*06:01~DQB1*03:01- adenovirus 40/41. INTERPRETATION our findings suggest a role for HLA in susceptibility to early enteric infection for five pathogens. Understanding the genetic contribution of HLA in susceptibility has important implications in vaccine design and understanding regional differences in incidence of enteric infection. FUNDING this research was supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayo E. McCowin
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - G. Brett Moreau
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Janelle A. Noble
- Department of Paediatrics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shana L. McDevitt
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Donowitz
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Md Masud Alam
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Beth D. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chelsea Marie
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Corresponding author.
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN. Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infections among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Results of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:60-74. [PMID: 32683583 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidium is implicated in diarrhea epidemics in many parts of the world and is said to be the most common protozoan cause of diarrhea among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) globally. To provide data on the burden of Cryptosporidium infections among Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS, we reported the prevalence, geographic distribution and Cryptosporidium species diversity among this population in Nigeria. METHODS We used the PRISMA guidelines to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between January 1, 1995 and April 21, 2020. Pooled estimate (PE), heterogeneity, quality of each study and publication bias were determined using the random-effects model, Cochran's Q test, the 9 point Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument and the Egger's regression asymmetry test, respectively. RESULTS Forty-six articles reported 2612 positive cases of Cryptosporidium infections from 12,756 PLWHA examined in 20 Nigerian States and the Federal Capital Territory. Overall pooled estimate was 14.5% (95% CI 10.4-19.9) with a range of 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.8) to 43.7% (95% CI 35.6-52.3) across sub-groups, with the PEs in relation to CD4+ T cell count, species and age showing significant variations at p < 0.05. Cryptosporidium hominis was the most prevalent (3.5%, 95% CI 2.3-5.2) of the six Cryptosporidium species reported in Nigeria. CONCLUSION Cryptosporidium infections are moderately prevalent among PLWHA in Nigeria with the highest regional prevalence in the north-east. In addition to personal hygienic practices, the inclusion of Cryptosporidium screening as part of HIV/AIDS clinics in Nigeria will reduce the burden of the parasite among PLWHA in Nigeria.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Human Cryptosporidiosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:34/2/e00087-19. [PMID: 33627442 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00087-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important causes of moderate to severe diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in children under 2 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. In recent decades, genotyping and subtyping tools have been used in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis. Results of these studies suggest that higher genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. is present in humans in these countries at both species and subtype levels and that anthroponotic transmission plays a major role in human cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium hominis is the most common Cryptosporidium species in humans in almost all the low- and middle-income countries examined, with five subtype families (namely, Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, and If) being commonly found in most regions. In addition, most Cryptosporidium parvum infections in these areas are caused by the anthroponotic IIc subtype family rather than the zoonotic IIa subtype family. There is geographic segregation in Cryptosporidium hominis subtypes, as revealed by multilocus subtyping. Concurrent and sequential infections with different Cryptosporidium species and subtypes are common, as immunity against reinfection and cross protection against different Cryptosporidium species are partial. Differences in clinical presentations have been observed among Cryptosporidium species and C. hominis subtypes. These observations suggest that WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene)-based interventions should be implemented to prevent and control human cryptosporidiosis in low- and middle-income countries.
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A probable means to an end: exploring P131 pharmacophoric scaffold to identify potential inhibitors of Cryptosporidium parvum inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. J Mol Model 2021; 27:35. [PMID: 33423140 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-04663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Compound P131 has been established to inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum's inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (CpIMPDH). Its inhibitory activity supersedes that of paromomycin, which is extensively used in treating cryptosporidiosis. Through the per-residue energy decomposition approach, crucial moieties of P131 were identified and subsequently adopted to create a pharmacophore model for virtual screening in the ZINC database. This search generated eight ADMET-compliant hits that were examined thoroughly to fit into the active site of CpIMPDH via molecular docking. Three compounds ZINC46542062, ZINC58646829, and ZINC89780094, with favorable docking scores of - 8.3 kcal/mol, - 8.2 kcal/mol, and - 7.5 kcal/mol, were selected. The potential inhibitory mechanism of these compounds was probed using molecular dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics Generalized Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analyses. Results revealed that one of the hits (ZINC46542062) exhibited a lower binding free energy of - 39.52 kcal/mol than P131, which had - 34.6 kcal/mol. Conformational perturbation induced by the binding of the identified hits to CpIMPDH was similar to P131, suggesting a similarity in inhibitory mechanisms. Also, in silico investigation of the properties of the hit compounds implied superior physicochemical properties with regards to their synthetic accessibility, lipophilicity, and number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in comparison with P131. ZINC46542062 was identified as a promising hit compound with the highest binding affinity to the target protein and favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties relative to P131. The identified compounds can serve as a basis for conducting further experimental investigations toward the development of anticryptosporidials, which can overcome the challenges of existing therapeutic options. Graphical abstract P131 and the identified compounds docked in the NAD+ binding site of Cryptosporidium parvum IMPDH.
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Iqbal MD, Naeem T, Khurshid U, Hameed F. Frequency of Cryptosporidiosis in Children having Persistent Diarrhea. Pak J Med Sci 2020; 37:121-124. [PMID: 33437262 PMCID: PMC7794158 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.1.2700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Globally childhood diarrheal diseases continue to be the second leading cause of death. Cryptosporidium spp are important intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea in humans and animals particularly in developing countries. This investigation was carried out to find out the frequency of cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with persistent diarrhea. Methods: Two hundred stool samples were collected in this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Microbiology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan between the months of July to Dec 2014. Children aged five years to 12 years who presented with persistent diarrhea were included in the study. Stool specimens were processed using the modified acid-fast staining method, and microscopically examined for Cryptosporidium infection. Results: The average age of study participants was 7.95 with a standard deviation of 2.21 years. Among the participants 66% were males whereas 34% were females. Twenty eight percent had presence of oocysts in stool samples. Conclusions: The frequency of Cryptosporidiosis among children with persistent diarrhea was 28%. This high frequency indicates that this population is uniquely susceptible to infection. It also highlights the need for education about hygiene, accurate diagnosis, and treatment of Cryptosporidiosis. There is also a need for additional studies regarding the occurrence of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Danish Iqbal
- Mariam Danish Iqbal, FCPS Microbiology. Pathology Department, Shalamar Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Naeem
- Tahir Naeem, MCPS, D(ABMM). Pathology Department, Shalamar Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umar Khurshid
- Umar Khurshid, FCPS Microbiology. Microbiology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Hameed
- Fatima Hameed, FCPS Microbiology. Pathology Department, CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
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Prevalence and Molecular Genotyping of Cryptosporidium Spp. in Diarrheic Patients from Bandar Abbas City, Southern Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.102706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidium species are recognized as one of the most important gastrointestinal pathogens of humans and livestock. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sub-genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. among diarrheic patients in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. Methods: Diarrheic fecal samples were collected from 170 patients in three hospitals of Bandar Abbas, Iran, from October 2018 to May 2019. Initial parasitological identification of Cryptosporidium spp. was performed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. For molecular analysis, the positive specimens and the suspected ones of Cryptosporidium spp. were evaluated by sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and the relationship between the variables and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. assessed by the chi-square test. To assess the degree of agreement between PCR and ZN staining, Cohen’s kappa-index was applied. Results: Of the 170 diarrheic patients, 98 (57.6%) were male, and 72 (42.4%) were female. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. by parasitological examination was 1.8% (3/170). However, using PCR, Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 12% (6/50) of the positive microscopically samples (3 samples) and 47 suspected specimens. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene showed that all of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum in which all subtypes belonged to allele family IId. Two distinct nucleotide sequences obtained from this study were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers MN820453 and MN820454. Conclusions: The predominance of C. parvum (subtype family IId) in this study emphasizes the importance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium transmission in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran.
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Zueter AM, Hijjawi NS, Hamadeneh KN, Al-Sheyab MM, Hatamleh AM. Cryptosporidiosis among Hemodialysis Patients in Jordan: First Preliminary Screening Surveillance. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4040131. [PMID: 31635249 PMCID: PMC6958476 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have reported the incidence of cryptosporidiosis among hemodialysis patients worldwide. Currently many molecular and immunological assays have been developed for the sensitive diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis, but still, the microscopic detection of the parasitic infective stage (oocysts) in stool specimens using modified acid stain is regarded as a reliable sensitive technique which is widely used in many clinical labs. In the present study, a total of 133 stool samples were collected from hemodialysis patients and were screened for Cryptosporidium oocyst using formalin-ether concentration and modified acid-fast staining technique. Clinical and demographic data were also collected and analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were recovered in 15/133 (11%) of the investigated hemodialysis patients. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 80 years (mean: 57.84 ± 12.22). Most of the Cryptosporidium-positive cases were recovered from males (73.7%) residing in rural villages in Irbid city (86.6%). The most repeatedly reported symptoms in the Cryptosporidium-positive patients were gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea (15%), nausea (24%), abdominal pain (23%) and bloating (17%), in addition to general fatigue (32%) and weight loss (19%). No statistically significant associations for certain clinical symptoms or risk factors were found. The present study is the first preliminary study in Jordan that provided a brief screening for the incidence of cryptosporidiosis among hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdelRahman M Zueter
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan.
| | - Nawal S Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan.
| | - Khaled N Hamadeneh
- Nephrology Department, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman 11118, Jordan.
| | - Maysa M Al-Sheyab
- Medical Microbiology Department, Prince Rashed Bin AL-Hassan Military Hospital, Irbid 21110, Jordan.
| | - Amal M Hatamleh
- Medical Hematology Department, Prince Rashed Bin AL-Hassan Military Hospital, Irbid 21110, Jordan.
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Tombang AN, Ambe NF, Bobga TP, Nkfusai CN, Collins NM, Ngwa SB, Diengou NH, Cumber SN. Prevalence and risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis among children within the ages 0-5 years attending the Limbe regional hospital, southwest region, Cameroon. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1144. [PMID: 31429732 PMCID: PMC6700837 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is a pathological condition caused by infection with coccidian protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. So far, no data has been published on its prevalence among children with diarrhea in Cameroon. This study was therefore, designed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidiosis among children within the ages 0–5 years suffering from diarrhea and being attended to at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Methods The study was a hospital based analytical cross-sectional study involving children within the ages 0–5 years (n = 112) hospitalized or consulted in the pediatric departments of the hospital between April 2018 and May 2018. Stool specimens were processed using the modified acid-fast staining method, and microscopically examined for Cryptosporidium infection. Results A total of 112 participants were recruited out of which 67 presented with diarrhea. A high prevalence 9/67 (13.40%) of Cryptosporidium was noticed in children with diarrhea than children without diarrhea 1/45 (2.2%). There was a significant relationship (p = 0.041) between prevalence of Cryptosporidium and the presence of diarrhea in children within the ages 0–5 years in the Limbe Regional Hospital. It was realized that children from parents with primary level of education, children whose parents did not respect exclusive breastfeeding and those whose parents were giving them pipe borne water for drinking recorded a higher prevalence. Conclusions This study revealed an overall prevalence of 8.9% for Cryptosporidium among children of ages 0–5 years that attended the Limbe Regional Hospital. The prevalence among children that presented with diarrhea was 13.4%. The study clearly demonstrated that Cryptosporidium is an important protozoal etiologic agent for children with diarrhea in Limbe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7484-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsimbom Neville Tombang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ngwa Fabrice Ambe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Tanyi Pride Bobga
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Claude Ngwayu Nkfusai
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. .,Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Service (CBCHS), Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Ngandeu Mongoue Collins
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Sangwe Bertrand Ngwa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ngwene Hycentha Diengou
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Center for Medical Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Nambile Cumber
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.,Section for Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa
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