Survey of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in two impoverished communities in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Human excreta from households of squatter communities in Singalong and Leveriza, Metro Manila, Philippines were examined for Cryptosporidium sp. infection. Fecal concentration procedure and the modified specific Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique were used. Of the 54 positive cases, 30 and 24 cases were detected in solid and semisolid excreta, respectively, with the infection rate being significantly higher (p= 0.008) in Singalong. Oocysts were detected among 53.7% children (≤10 years old) compared to 46.3% in older age groups. The gender associated difference in infection rate in both study sites was insignificant. Oocysts density ranged from very few to moderate to numerous. While the results confirmed the susceptibility of both genders and of all age groups to Cryptosporidium sp., the difference in percent infection between children and older age groups could not be clearly established owing to the small sampled population. In the absence of information on the health status of the respondents upon fecal collection, no association can be made on the pathogenicity of the parasite. We therefore recommend educating the communities on the risks of them contacting waterborne infections through contaminated waters and providing them overall improvement in basic sanitary facilities.