Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in North Lebanon

This study was devoted to determine the prevalence and the genetic diversity ofCryptosporidium spp. in symptomatic hospitalized patients and in two children populations with different socio-economic level in North-Lebanon, as well as the risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis.Fecal samples obtained from these populations were examined microscopically by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining as well as nested PCR were done for the detection ofCryptosporidium oocysts.Out of 163 symptomatic hospitalized patients and 249 children,Cryptosporidium was present in 11% and 10.4% respectively according to microscopy examination and/or molecular tests. The genotyping showed the predominance ofCryptosporidium hominis in both populations. Subgenotype analysis of the isolates at the gp60 locus identified three subtypes IdA19, IbA10G2 and IaA18R3 forC. hominis and two subtypes IIaA15G1R1 and IIaA15G2R1 forC. parvum. Moreover, cryptosporidiosis was correlated with having meals outside home and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms especially diarrhea (p<0.05).This work constitutes the first molecular epidemiology study outlining risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis in Lebanon. These findings support a need of a control program to prevent the circulation of this parasite.
Source: The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research