Frequency of cryptosporidium in childhood diarrhoea--importance of modified acid fast technique.

BACKGROUND

One of the important causes of childhood diarrhoea is cryptosporidium, a parasitic pathogen which is usually overlooked. This study was therefore designed to show the importance of modified acid fast stain in the diagnosis of cryptosporidium in childhood diarrhoea.

METHODS

Stool samples from 300 children with prolonged diarrhoea were examined by modified acid fast staining a long with wet mounts in saline and iodine.

RESULTS

Out of 300 samples five (1.7%) were diagnosed as positive for cryptosporidium.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that Cryptosporidiosis exists as a cause of diarrhoeal illness in our society. It was also noted that modified acid fast staining of stool samples is an important, non-invasive and useful diagnostic technique in identification of cryptosporidium.