Some epidemiological aspects of cryptosporidiosis in Ahwaz, capital of Khoozestan province, Islamic Republic of Iran

ABSTRACT

From December 1990 to June 1992 in Ahwaz, capital of Khoozestan province, 1333 patients referred to Khoozestan Parasitology Center, in 29 cases of whom Cryptosporidium parvum was detected. All infected patients were less than eight years of age. The parasite was most prevalent in the 0-1 year old age group. Though some C. parvum infected cases harboured Giardia lamblia, there was no relationship between the two infections. Similarly, there was no relationship with Blastocystis hominis either. Females [19/29] were significantly more commonly infected than males [10/29]. The majority of cases [19/29] were detected from October to April when the weather temperature varied from 2°C to 30°C and the humidity was above 70%. However, no infected case was found during August and September, when the weather temperature was above 45°C and humidity was below 30%. Only 2 out of 29 were in direct contact with cattle and sheep. It is probable that the consumption of contaminated drinking tap-water was the main factor of cryptosporidium oocyst dissemination in this area