Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Species Among Children ≤ 5 Years Old in North West-Bank, Palestine/ Cross Sectional Study

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 immunocom promised 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.