Cryptosporidium Infection in Pediatric Patients with Lymphohematopoietic Malignancies

Objective: Cryptosporidium parvum is a common protozoan pathogen with worldwide distribution. Itlocalizes on the intestinal cells and prolonged diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. The aim ofthis study was to estimate the prevalence and the clinical features of enteric cryptosporidiosis inpediatric patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies.Material Methods: In this cross-sectional study stool samples were collected from 100 children(67 boys, 33girls) with lymphohematopoietic malignancies who underwent chemotherapy betweenthe ages of 6 months and 17 years (mean age 7.5 years). All of the specimens were examined for theoocysts of C. parvum by modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) staining technique and coproantigens of C.parvum by ELISA.Findings: Cryptosporidium infection was detected in 22 patients. 16 (72.7%) of the infected patientswere male and 6 (27.3) female. 7 (31.8%) patients were 5 years, 8 (36.4%) 5-10 years and 7(31.8) 10 years old. Parasites were detected in 19/85 (86.4%) patients with ALL, 2 of 5 (9.1%) with AML,and 1 of 10 (4.5%) with NHL. Clinical symptoms were found in 11 (50%) of the patients. We foundlonger duration of chemotherapy in patients who were positive for cryptosporidium infection(Mean=2067 days) in comparison to negative group (Mean=258.5 days) (ANOVA, f=2.82, P=0.04).Conclusion: The incidence of cryptosporidium infection was 22% among pediatric patients withlymphohematopoietic malignancies. We recommend evaluation of these patients with at least twodifferent diagnostic methods in order to prevent possible life threatening outcomes.