Cryptosporidium spp., a frequent cause of diarrhea in Central Africa.

Cryptosporidium oocysts were present in 20 (10.4%) of 193 Rwandese children and in 3 (3.0%) of 100 adults with diarrhea. In four of the children and in one adult, Cryptosporidium was associated with other enteric pathogens. The higher incidence of Cryptosporidium in diarrheic children was statistically significant. The parasite was not found in 94 formed stools submitted for parasitological examination. The mean age of the Cryptosporidium-positive children was 13.3 months. In four children, Cryptosporidium was associated with severe malnutrition. All of those required rehydration, and one child died as a direct consequence of severe diarrhea. The three adult patients showed no recognizable immunodeficiency, and their diarrhea resolved spontaneously. Staining with 1% safranin was not only more simple and rapid but also more sensitive than the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.