[Evidence of Cryptosporidium in children with symptomatic enteritis from the Leipzig administrative area 1987-1992].

From 1987 to 1992 stool samples of 3235 diarrheic children at the age from 1 to 14 years in the Leipzig district were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. In 58 patients (= 1.8%) oocysts have been detected. Most of the positive children (= 81%) were less than 7 years old. A seasonal increasing of prevalence was observed in August and in the following months. According to anamnestic informations of treating physicians all patients were immunocompetent. The clinical symptomatology comprised diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach ache. Animal contacts were known in 52% of the patients. Stool examinations for diagnosis of Cryptosporidium are recommended in unclear diarrhoeas, also in immunocompetent patients. The role of Cryptosporidium spp. as opportunists in immunodeficiency is especially commented.