Investigation of cryptosporidiosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microscopy in children with diarrhea

Objective: To investigate the frequency of cryptosporidiosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microscopy and its relationship with diarrhea. Methods: The study was prospectively performed in the Parasitology Laboratory and Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of the Research Hospital, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey between 2004 and 2006. Stool samples were obtained from a total of 2000 children with diarrhea, 870 females, and 1130 males aging 0-15 years as study group, and 100 children of the same age were randomly selected as a control group. The flotation method was firstly carried out for all stool samples in saturated zinc sulfate solution, then staining process by modified acid-fast staining. All samples were also tested for Cryptosporidium parvum antigenby ELISA. Native-Lugol and trichrome staining were used to identify other intestinal parasites. Results: The antigen was determined in 97 (4.9%) of 2000 children by ELISA, however, the oocysts were only seen in 39 children (1.95%) by microscopy. Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected in the control group either by ELISA or by microscopy. We found a significant (p 0.001) relationship between diarrhea and cryptosporidiosis. Other intestinal parasites were detected in 713 (35.7%) of 2000 diarrheic children. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium spp. antigen searching by ELISA in stool samples should be included for diagnosis of the disease in all hospitals.