Epidemiology and diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. parasitosis in children: usefulness of the serologic study

Abstract

Background: Evaluate the contribution of the serological study of Cryptosporidium spp. for more precise knowledge of the epidemiology of this parasitation within a child population and its usefulness in laboratory diagnosis of cryptosporidiasis.

Methods: Using a prospective study design, the presence of antibodies for Cryptosporidium spp. was determined by indirect immunofluorescence in sera of 106 children, aged 0-13 years in the province of Salamanca.

Results: The seroprevalence of IgG against Cryptosporidium spp. n the child population was 22.6% (24/106). 20.8% of the children seropositive for IgG (5/24) also presented with specific IgM. In a newborn, IgG (12.5%; 1 out of 8 newborns) was detected but IgM not found. The seroprevalence of IgG in rural areas was 18.2% (10/55) and the average in urban areas was 27.4% (14/51). In both instances, the age group with the highest seroprevalence corresponded to that of 2-3 year olds.

Conclusions: The rate of seroprevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the child population of Salamanca is appreciably higher than the prevalence detected in feces. Recent infection can manifest itself with simultaneous seropositivity of IgG and IgM. This serological pattern, in the presence of a clinical framework compatible with the detection of oocysts in feces, can complement the diagnosis of cryptosporidiasis.