RESUMO
This study was carried out during April-August 2009 to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and its potential risk factors in children and calves in Babol, north of Iran. A total of 150 faecal samples were taken directly from the rectums of calves which were no more than two months old. Information about age, breeding conditions, consistency of faeces (as diarrhoeic or normal) and contact with human were recorded. At the same time, 150 stool samples were taken from children aged one month to 6 years old in Amir Kola children hospital (Babol, north of Iran). All samples were stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen's acid-fast and Auramine O techniques to detect for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Results revealed that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in children and calves were 16% and 7.33% (Auramine O stain), and 10.67% and 4% (Modified Acid-fast stain), respectively. The prevalence of the infection according to age groups and consistency of faeces were found to be statistically significant with Auramine O stain. The prevalence of infection in urban and rural children was similar, but prevalence of Cryptosporidium was more in calves with native breeding. The young calves and children and type of animal breeding represent important risk factors for transmission of cryptosporidiosis. Moreover, there was no relationship between infection of Cryptosporidium in children and calves. Our finding revealed that clinical cryptosporidiosis cases exist in north of Iran and the most important infection route for Cryptosporidium spp. is anthroponotic transmission.
