Malabsorption syndrome in patients with cryptosporidiosis.

Out of 130 patients presenting with gastroenteritis, oocysts of Cryptosporidium species were detected in the faecal samples of 10 persons (7.69%). The prevalence of the parasite was higher among rural inhabitants (11.47%) than city dwellers (4.35%), particularly in the young age. The parasite lead to impairment of the intestinal absorptive function as indicated by the significant change in the fat in stools and the decreased excretion of D-xylose.