ABSTRACT
Objective: the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cryptosporidium among children attending the Pediatric Hospital in Damascus
Methods: 146 stool samples were collected from children attending the Pediatric Hospital in Damascus. Children were aged under 5 years. The study was conducted during the period from August 2013 to December 2014. Information about date of the sample collection, age, gender, symptoms, history of medications and previous hospitalization was taken. Samples were examined visually and microscopically by wet mount. Fecal smears were prepared and stained by modified Zeihl-Neelsen technique to detect the presence of cryptosporidium oocysts
Results: six samples out of 146 were positive which results in 4.1% infection rate among children attending the Pediatric Hospital in Damascus city
Conclusions: our study showed that the prevalence of cryptosporidium among children is 4.1% which is considerable compared to other parasites. We suggest routine stool examination for cryptosporidium by modified Zeihl-Neelsen technique or other available methods and the necessary of improving the sewage system, providing better water resources and the importance of health education to reduce the infection