Sporadic Human Cryptosporidiosis Caused by Cryptosporidium cuniculus in the UK
Author Information
Author(s): Chalmers Rachel M., Elwin Kristin, Hadfield Stephen J., Robinson Guy
Primary Institution: Public Health Wales Microbiology–Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK
Hypothesis
To investigate sporadic human cryptosporidiosis trends in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
C. cuniculus was identified as the third most commonly found Cryptosporidium species in patients with diarrhea during the study period.
Supporting Evidence
- 37 cases of C. cuniculus were identified out of 3,030 samples tested.
- C. cuniculus infections were found across all age groups.
- The majority of cases occurred during the late summer and autumn months.
Takeaway
This study looked at a type of germ that can make people sick, and found that a specific kind called C. cuniculus was making some people sick in the UK.
Methodology
Enhanced testing of Cryptosporidium spp.–positive fecal samples from patients with sporadic diarrhea was conducted.
Limitations
The numbers of C. cuniculus cases are small, and data interpretation requires caution.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 1 to 74 years, with a mean age of 29 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.00009
Statistical Significance
p = 0.00009
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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