Cryptosporidiosis among Patients with Diarrhoea Attending Nyala Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic zoonotic non-bloody diarrhoeal disease that affects all people. Children
and the immunosuppressed are more at risk than immunocompetent adults. It occurs in an epidemic as well as sporadic
forms. Stool examination for Cryptosporidium oocysts has to be considered in non-bloody diarrhoea stools.
Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among patients presenting
with non-bloody diarrhoea to Nyala medical laboratory.
Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study including non-bloody diarrhoeal stool specimens
of 72 patients. The stool specimens were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts by using Safranine/ Methylene blue
stain technique.
Results: Eleven (15.3%) out of 72 patients were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Seven of them were below five
years of age.
Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of non-bloody diarrhoea especially among children. This study
enrolled a small number of patients. Nevertheless we recommend inclusion of Cryptosporidium in laboratory
examination of non-bloody diarrhoeal stools in certain locations.

Sudan Joural of Medical Studies Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 41-43