ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and distribution characteristics of Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium ssp. infection in diarrhea cases of Yunnan Province. METHODS: To collect fresh faeces from diarrhea cases in 7 counties/cities, examine the specimens by direct smear with iodine staining and modified acid-fast staining. RESULTS: The infection rate of C. cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium ssp. was 3.97% and 5.29%, respectively. The infection rate of the two pathogenic coccidians was as high as 10.64% and 8.51% in preschool children. C. cayetanensis was found in 3 counties and Cryptosporidium in 6 counties. CONCLUSION: Both C. cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium ssp. are prevalent in Yunnan Province with the latter distributed more widely, and the two pathogens are more prevalent in preschool children.