[Investigation of Cryptosporidium oocysts in elementary school students in Mersin].

Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoon, is an obligate intracellular parasite which can cause fatal diarrheal disease in immunocompromised individuals. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis are usually known to be transmitted from fecally contaminated drinking and tap waters. Because oocysts can be detected in asymptomatic healthy individuals and no safe and effective therapy for cryptosporidial enteritis is available, the importance of cryptosporidiosis is increased. In this study, stool specimens (n=72) were collected from children, 8-12 years in age, in four elementary school in Mersin. These specimens were stained with modified Kinyoun's acid-fast (cold) and auramine O stains and examined for the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in the specimens of 4 (5.5%) asymptomatic children.