Cyclospora infection among the school children of Kathmandu, Nepal: prevalence and associated risk factors
10.2149/tmh.2015-25
- Author:
Dinesh Bhandari
;
Sarmila Tandukar
;
Hiramani Parajuli
;
Pratigya Thapa
;
Prakash Chaudhary
;
Dhiraj Shrestha
;
Pradeep K Shah
;
Jatan B Sherchan
;
Jeevan B Sherchand
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Cyclosporacayetanensis School Children;
Prevalence and Kathmandu
- From:Tropical Medicine and Health
2015;advpub(0):-
- CountryJapan
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: The intestinalcoccidian protozoa Cyclospora cayetanensis has emerged as an important cause of parasitic diarrhea among the childrenliving in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cyclospora among the school childrenof Kathmandu with relation to various associated risk factors. Methodology: 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 Cyclospora from the formal-etherconcentrated stool samples. Results: Cyclospora 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. Conclusion: 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 Cyclospora. This finding confirms apublic-health issue with potentially serious consequences whereby, children canbe infected through the exposure to oocyst contaminated food, water and getill.
