Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by
Cryptosporidium; a protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract.
The infection is of major public health concern in both developed and
developing countries. The disease is potentially life-threatening in
immunocompromised persons. Younger children are more susceptible to
infection than others. Human get infection either from food or water.
Objectives: The current study aims to explore the prevalence of
cryptosporidiosis and other related intestinal parasitic infection in children
of age =5 years old. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted
by collecting fecal materials from 500 children from regions of North West
Bank. Fecal samples were analyzed microscopically and positive samples
with Cryptosporidium were used for molecular diagnosis using polymerase
chain reaction. Results: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Palestinian
children =5 years old was 13.6%. Prevalence rates for amoebiasis and
giardiasis were 11% and 4.4% respectively. Refugee camps showed higher
infection, although not significantly different (p>0.05). Data analysis
revealed no statistically significant association between infection with
cryptosporidiosis and predictor variables. Conclusion: Prevalence of
cryptosporidiosis among children = 5 years old is 13% and thus, measures
to prevent parasitic infection are recommended.