D Miron1, R Colodner, Y Kenes. 1. Department of Pediatrics A, Central Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. eitanm@kinneret.co.il
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Two recent studies found that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among children in Israel was 3.4-7.4%. OBJECTIVES: To assess the cumulative infection rate by testing immunoglobulin A and G seroprevalence for Cryptosporidium in children and adults in Israel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The seroprevalence of IgA and IgG anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure in a group of 163 healthy children and adults. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rates for IgG, IgA, both IgA and IgG, and any immunoglobulin were 12.6%, 23%, 30% and 65.6% respectively. Half the children under the age of 12 years were already infected, with seroprevalence increasing to 95.6% in those over age 13 (P < 0.05). Seropositivity for IgG or IgA did not significantly increase with age. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a large percentage of healthy children and adults in northern Israel have been infected with Cryptosporidium, and at early ages.
BACKGROUND: Two recent studies found that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among children in Israel was 3.4-7.4%. OBJECTIVES: To assess the cumulative infection rate by testing immunoglobulin A and G seroprevalence for Cryptosporidium in children and adults in Israel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The seroprevalence of IgA and IgG anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure in a group of 163 healthy children and adults. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rates for IgG, IgA, both IgA and IgG, and any immunoglobulin were 12.6%, 23%, 30% and 65.6% respectively. Half the children under the age of 12 years were already infected, with seroprevalence increasing to 95.6% in those over age 13 (P < 0.05). Seropositivity for IgG or IgA did not significantly increase with age. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a large percentage of healthy children and adults in northern Israel have been infected with Cryptosporidium, and at early ages.