Environmental risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in an island from Western Venezuela
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
;
103(1): 45-49, Feb. 2008. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-478876
ABSTRACT
Few investigations have been conducted on risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in communities from developing countries. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in San Carlos island, Venezuela. A sample of 515 subjects (mean age ± SD 21.4 ± 17.8 years) was surveyed. Single fecal specimens were collected and modified Ziehl-Neelsen carbolfuchsin staining of formalin-ether concentrate stools were examined for identification of the parasite. Infections with Cryptosporidium (67 of 515, 13 percent) were common. Prevalence of the parasite varied among sectors of the community; 34 of 67(50.7 percent) cases of cryptosporidiosis clustered in two sectors with extreme poverty. Variables strongly associated with a higher risk for the infection (p < 0.01) were residing in these sectors versus the remainder, living in a hut or small residence versus a brick or larger house, using an area of backyard rather than a toilet or latrine for defecation, and having contact with soil contaminated with human feces. Crowding was also a risk (p < 0.05). Contact with human feces contaminated-soil may be an important mode of transmission and poverty a predisposing factor for the infection.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Sanitation
/
Cryptosporidiosis
/
Cryptosporidium
/
Diarrhea
/
Feces
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Aged80
/
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Venezuela
Language:
English
Journal:
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
Journal subject:
Tropical Medicine
/
Parasitology
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
/
Project document
Affiliation country:
Venezuela
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidad del Zulia/VE
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