Molecular genetic characterization of human Cryptosporidium isolates and their respective demographic, environmental and clinical manifestations in Egyptian diarrheic patients

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide enteric zoonotic protozoan parasite infecting a broad range of hosts, including humans, ruminants, birds, reptiles and fish [1,2]. It is the main cause of diarrheal illness in both developed and developing countries [3]. Cryptosporidiosis can result in severe diarrhea, which is usually self-limited in immunocompetent individuals, but may be chronic and life-threatening in immunocompromised patients [4]. It was estimated that up to 10% of cryptosporidiosis occurred between one to nine years old children and in toddlers in developing countries [5]. It has been reported as a virulent cause of diarrhea in Egypt, especially in young children, with a varied prevalence of 0%-49% [6,7] ; and with a prevalence of 11.6% in symptomatic children in Qalubiyah province [8]. Humans can acquire Cryptosporidium infections by ingestion of infective oocysts through person-toperson transmission or by direct contact with livestock or via water or food-borne transmission [9]. Several Cryptosporidium species with different genotypes and subtypes may infect man. Each causative species has unusual source(s) of infection, transmission route(s), and pathogenicity. Up to date, more than 26 spp. and approximately 50 genotypes have been recognized in humans and animals [10]. Therefore, it was advised that species identification in populations is essentially vital for determining the local transmission risk factors, and the consequent implementation of control programs to limit contact with infectious oocysts [11]. The majority of human cases of cryptosporidiosis (more than 90%) are caused by two species: C. hominis and C. parvum [7,12]. However, other species including C. felis, C. meleagridis,

Detection rate and genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and its relation to copro TNF-α in elderly Egyptians attending outpatient clinics of Cairo University Hospitals

“…A previous study by El-Hamshary et al [40] certified that the modified Zeihl Neelsen stain provided a lower sensitivity and specificity of 55.3% and 79%. On the other hand, El-Missiry et al [41] recorded 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the stain. It is worth mentioning that one sample was positive by microscopy but negative with nPCR.…”

“…In another study, Zaglool et al [46] reported that ICT sensitivity was 86.7% and specificity was 100%, when compared to staining. Controversially, El-Missiry et al [41] recorded that ICT was 65% sensitive, 48% specific, with 50% accuracy inpatients of different ages: 214 patients ≤ 5 years, 136 ≥ 5 years; of both sexes, and different immune status. Moreover, El-Settawy and Fathy [47] recorded that ELISA was sensitive (85.7%) and specific (100%) with 96.5% accuracy in diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis compared with nPCR.…”

Cryptosporidiosis: From Prevention to Treatment, a Narrative Review

“…The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods have many advantages as they are faster, easy to perform, inexpensive, and more sensitive compared to the immunofluorescence methods [33]. Rapid immunochromatographic (strip) tests can also be used [158,159] as they are used for the detection of the oocyst cell wall proteins using monoclonal antibodies [160].…”