<i>Cyclospora</i> infection among the school children of Kathmandu, Nepal: prevalence and associated risk factors

ABSTRACT

<b>Background</b> The intestinalcoccidian protozoa <i>Cyclospora cayetanensis </i>has emerged as an important cause of parasitic diarrhea among the childrenliving in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>Cyclospora</i> among the school childrenof Kathmandu with relation to various associated risk factors. <b>Methodology</b> A total of fivehundred and seven stool samples from students between the age group 3-14 years,studying in 13 different schools of Kathmandu were collected during the studyperiod (May- November, 2014) and processed in Public Health ResearchLaboratory, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. A modified Acid Faststaining technique (Kinyoun’s method) was used to detect oocyst of <i>Cyclospora</i> from the formal-etherconcentrated stool samples. <b>Results</b> <i>Cyclospora</i> was detected in 3.94% (20/507) of the stool samplesexamined. The prevalence was found to be highest among the students between theage group 3-5 years i.e. 10.15% (13/128), peaking during the rainy season(June-August). The detection rate of the parasite was found to be significantlyhigher (p<0.05) among the children presenting with diarrheal symptom,household keeping livestock(s) and consumers of raw vegetables/fruits withprevalence10.57 % (11/104), 10.11% (9/89) and 7.25% (14/193) respectively. <b>Conclusion: </b>Consumptionof untreated drinking water, fresh produce (raw fruits/vegetables) withoutproper washing and livestock presence at home were found to be some of thepredisposing factors for higher susceptibility of infection due to <i>Cyclospora</i>. This finding confirms apublic-health issue with potentially serious consequences whereby, children canbe infected through the exposure to oocyst contaminated food, water and getill.