From the Parasitology Section, Pathobiology Department, School of Venterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Islamic Republic of Iran
Abstract: (4317 Views)
From December 1990 to June 1992 in Ahwaz, capital of Khoozestan province,
1333 patients referred to Khoozestan Parasitology Center, in 29 cases of whom
Cryptosporidium pallium was detected. All infected patients were less than eight
years of age. The parasite was most prevalent in the 0-1 year old age group. Though
some C. parVlIl1l infected cases harboured Giardia lamblia, there was no relationship
between the two infections. Similarly, there was no relationship with Blastocystis
hominis either. Females (l9!2Y) were significantly more commonly infected than
males (10/29). The majority of cases (19/29) were detected from October to April
when the weather 70%. However, no infected case was found during August and September, when the
weather temperature was above 45°C and humidity was below 30%. Only 2 out of
29 were in direct contact with cattle and sheep. It is probable that the consumption
of contaminated drinking tap-water was the main factor of cryptosporidium oocyst
dissemination in this area.