FREQUENCY OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS IN D IARRHEA, IN TUNISIAN CHILDREN

Tunisian children were screened for Cryptosporidium oocysts using the classical Ziehl Nielsen modified technique, 112 stool specimens from i mmunocompetent patients and 20 stool specimens from patients with cong enital immunodeficiency were examined. 9 out of the 112 (8 %) immunoco mpetent children and 3 out of the 20 (15 %) immunodeficient ones (p = 0.26). were carriers, This study demonstrated the high rate of intesti nal Cryptosporidium carriage in both immunocompetent and immunodeficie nt children, in Tunisia. A case control study including investigation of other pathogens (viruses, bacteria) is necessary to better estimate pathogenicity of Cryptosporidium species.