DIAGNOSIS AND IDENTIFICATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPECIES IN CHILDREN'S POPULATION OF RURAL AREAS IN PANAMA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cryptosporidiosis is an enteric disease caused by various species of the genus Cryptosporidium. This parasite is associated with episodes of acute diarrhea, malabsorption and negative effects on physical and mental development, mainly in children under five years of age. In Panama, little is known about the prevalence of this infection, as well as the species involved. This study describes, for first time, the circulating species of Cryptosporidium.

METHODS:  618 Stool samples from children under five years old were analyzed, in six rural communities Cryptosporidium spp. Concentration by sedimentation formol-acetate of ethyl was used.   Then, one aliquot of the sediment was stained with Kinyoun stain.    To identify, Cryptosporidium sp. we amplify the SSUrRNA gene region of the parasite using the RFLP-PCR technique.

RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of 618 stool samples showed a prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 83% and 1.94% for Cryptosporidium spp in fecal smears stained with Kinyoun staining. A PCR-nested RFLP of the Cryptosporidium SSUrRNA gene, identified Cryptosporidium hominis as the most common species (62.5%, 5/8). In addition, the presence of C. meleagridis (25%, 2/8) and C. parvum (C. pestis) (12.5%, 1/8) was confirmed. The finding of Cyclospora cayetanensis in 2.5% of samples from the indigenous community of Emplanada de Chorcha in Panama is a matter of concern. 

CONCLUSION: This study describes for the first time the circulating species of Cryptosporidium in children under five years old from six rural communities in Panama. Although the prevalence found for cryptosporidiosis in children was low, the presence of several species of this gregarine parasite, represents a call for attention to the health authorities for the correct implementation of surveillance, management and prevention measures in accordance with the epidemiological behavior of each species