Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> Species in Diarrheic Children in Cameroon
Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limit...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/3/287 |
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| Summary: | Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive measures. To better control disease transmission and develop effective prevention strategies, a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of circulating species is crucial. While cryptosporidiosis has previously been reported in Cameroon, information on the genetic diversity of parasite strains is lacking. In a large cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in four regions of Cameroon, Southwest, Littoral, Center and West, a total of 1119 fecal samples of children (<i>n</i> = 1119) were collected and genetically analyzed. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> strains circulating in this patient cohort in Cameroon. Using modified Ziehl–Neelsen fecal smear staining, an overall prevalence of 8.5% (96/1119) was recorded. PCR analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.4% in the Center, 7.2% in the Littoral, 10.5% in the West, and 13.1% in the Southwest regions. Molecular analysis identified <i>Cryptosporidium. hominis</i> and <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i> as circulating species, with all subtype families suggesting anthroponotic transmission. No zoonotic subtypes of <i>C. parvum</i> were detected. These findings confirm that cryptosporidiosis transmission in Cameroon is primarily anthroponotic. Nonetheless, much larger epidemiological surveys, including other patient cohorts, are necessary for final confirmation of this statement. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |