CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION IN GAMBIAN CHILDREN LESS-THAN 5 YEARS OF AGE

Cryptosporidium infection was studied in Gambian children less than 5 years of age over a 12-month period. Children who presented with diarr hoea at the Medical Research Council (MRC) clinic were selected random ly for detection of Cryptosporidium. They were compared with control c hildren who presented with reasons other than diarrhoea. Cross-section al surveys were conducted also to assess the community prevalence of C ryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium was found in 53 (9%) of 600 children w ith diarrhoea. In contrast Cryptosporidium was found in only 17 (3%) o f 600 control children (X(2)=18.6, 1 df, P<0.001). All 53 children wit h Cryptosporidium and diarrhoea were less than 2 years of age. In the community surveys, 11 (4%) of 250 children were Cryptosporidium positi ve. Cryptosporidium infection showed a well defined seasonal peak in a ssociation with the rains and a high relative humidity.