[Infantile cryptosporidiosis in Sousse area, Tunisia].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate infantile cryptosporidiosis prevalence in central Tunisia.

POPULATION AND

METHODS

Stool samples from 34,020 immunocompetent children were investigated for oocysts through a 12-year study.

RESULTS

Cryptotosporidia were detected in 0.32% (108) of samples. Ninety three per cent of children were less than five years old. Incidence was much higher in summer and autumn. Leading clinical symptoms were diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms spontaneously resolved in all patients. In three cases, infection was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Data analysis indicate that cryptosporidiosis is not uncommon in diarrheic central Tunisian children.