Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans and animals, known as cryptosporidiosis. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated water, food, and surfaces contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals. Cryptosporidiosis is a severe public health and environmental challenge, so most studies focus on vulnerable groups, including immunocompromised individuals, children, livestock, and water.
Materials and methods: In this study, 217 patients admitted to the hospital who experienced symptoms such as acute or chronic diarrhea within 48-72 hours of admission were examined by the modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) stain for microscopically, and the amplification of 18S rRNA gene for the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) survey.
Results: Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence was estimated to be 0.00% (0/217) by microscopy; however, PCR results indicate that 0.92% (2/217) were positive fecal samples.
Conclusions: The distribution of nosocomial diarrhea specifically caused by Cryptosporidium is uncommon. It is imperative to note that healthcare settings, including hospitals, can be potential sources of transmission of various infectious diseases, including cryptosporidiosis. Understanding the impact of nosocomial diarrhea caused by various pathogens in developing countries is necessary for hygiene management.
Keywords: Cross infection; Cryptosporidium sp.; health care associated infection; hospital infection; nosocomial infection; opportunistic infection.
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