Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a global infection caused by Cryptosporidium, which infects various vertebrates and humans, and causes gastroenteritis with varying severity. Several Cryptosporidium spp. with different genotypes and subtypes are implicated in human cryptosporidiosis.
Objective: estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in Sohag, assess its occurrence among various patient groups, and analyze the relationship between Cryptosporidium infections and associated risk factors and assessed the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp in Humans at Sohag Governorate, Egypt
Patients and Methods: A total of 245 human stool samples were collected from patients attending the outpatient clinics of Sohag hospitals. The collected samples were examined microscopically by direct smear and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (MZN). All positive Cryptosporidium samples detected by MZN were genotyped using nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (nPCR-RFLP) targeting cowp gene encoding Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (Cowp).
Results: Cryptosporidium was detected in 20% (49/245) of the examined samples using MZN. Only 2/45 (4%) of samples positive by microscopy were successfully amplified using cowp gene. All amplified samples were confirmed as C. hominis by nPCR-RFLP analysis of the cowp gene. Significant associations were found between cryptosporidiosis and age, residence and patient categories.
Conclusion: The identification of C. hominis indicates anthroponotic transmission. the relatively low prevalence of Cryptosporidium underscores the positive impact of public health measures implemented during and after COVID-19 pandemic on reducing parasitic infections.