Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in diarrheic children in Cameroon

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive measures. To better control disease transmission and develop effective prevention strategies, a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of circulating species is crucial. While cryptosporidiosis has previously been reported in Cameroon, information on the genetic diversity of parasite strains is lacking. In a large cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in four regions of Cameroon, Southwest, Littoral, Center and West, a total of 1119 fecal samples of children (n = 1119) were collected and genetically analyzed. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium strains circulating in this patient cohort in Cameroon. Using modified Ziehl–Neelsen fecal smear staining, an overall prevalence of 8.5% (96/1119) was recorded. PCR analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.4% in the Center, 7.2% in the Littoral, 10.5% in the West, and 13.1% in the Southwest regions. Molecular analysis identified Cryptosporidium. hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum as circulating species, with all subtype families suggesting anthroponotic transmission. No zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum were detected. These findings confirm that cryptosporidiosis transmission in Cameroon is primarily anthroponotic. Nonetheless, much larger epidemiological surveys, including other patient cohorts, are necessary for final confirmation of this statement.