Evaluation of Risk Factors of Cryptosporidiosis in Children A Case-Control Study in Mosul City

Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of childhood diarrhea. It is more prevalent in developing countries, it is also associated with high morbidity. A case control study was carried out to study the risk factors concerning cryptosporidiosis in Children suffering from diarrhoea. The
children attending two hospitals in Mosul city. The total number of patients was 100 children less than 3 years old. All stool samples were diagnosed by using wet mounts, concentration technique. Staining was done by using Modified Ziehel-Neelsen (hot method) to identify cryptosporidium
oocyst in stool samples. The control group consisted of 100 children apparently healthy and of matched age. Among the parameters studied to identify the risk factor, the statistical analysis of data showed that children age (p=0.001), presence of animals (p=0.022) mother age (p=0.006) and feeding pattern (p=0.022) were all significant and be regarded as risk factors for Cryptosporidiosis.
These findings indicate that Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent in children in Mosul. These children may be the source of infection for the elder ones in the family. We recommend that health authorities be aware of Cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhoea in children and that procedure for
the diagnosis of this parasite be included in the routine diagnostic procedures for diarrhoeal stool specimens, in all laboratories.