A SURVEY OF GIARDIA AND CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP.IN RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITYIN NORTH DELTA, EGYPT

Abstract

Background:Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are 2 protozoan parasites that affect
humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. These parasites are a major cause of
diarrheal disease in humans and animals worldwide, causing high morbidity in their hosts, in
immunocompromised hosts and children, they can lead to death
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of
Cryptosporidiumspp.andGiardia spp. in the northern part of Delta (Damietta governorate) and
the risk of human infection of these protozoa related to personal data, socio-cultural and
environmental characteristics, and the presence or absence of symptoms/signs among a rural and
urban population.In order to assess the prevalence of these protozoa among population in the
northern part of Delta and the risk of human infection, 330 people (175 females and 155
males)with or without symptoms who attended a Health Care Center were
parasitologicallystudied.
Results: Of the surveyed population (330), 3.6% were infected withCryptosporidiumspp. only or
24.2% withGiardia spp. and 2.4% were infected with both protozoa. The frequency of infection
according to sex; 2,7% of males were infected and 0.9% of females byCryptosporidiumspp,
12.7% and 11.5% byGiardia spp.and 1.5% and 0.9% by both parasites,
respectively.Cryptosporidiumspp.and Giardia spp. was frequentin children(under 12 year) than
adults in both sexes, however,Cryptosporiduminfections were most frequently diagnosed in
children less than 12yearsold and prevalence decreased with age.
Conclusion: Theprevalences of these protozoa in this community are lower than those reported
by otherstudies, which is probably associated with the low density of the studied population.
Studiesanalysis revealed that a male sex, children,loss of weight, impropal waste disposal,
diarrhea and abdominal pain were correlated with the presence of these parasites, which indicate
the importance of these factors in rural communities.
Keywords:Cryptosporidiumspp.,Giardia spp., epidemiology, rural and urban community, North
Delta, Damietta Governorate.