Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infection of Pupils in Pastoral Areas of Baotou City

Objective Infection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in pastoral pupils of Baotou City, Inner Mongolia was studied to provide scientific evidences for the prevention of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.

Methods Stool specimens of pastoral pupils were collected and examined by direct modified acid-fast stain method for Cryptosporidium oocysts and iodine wet mount smear for Giardia spores.

Results The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in pupils of pastoral areas in Baotou was 37.2%(71/191). The infection rates of Cryptosporidium of schoolboys and schoolgirls were 40.0%(44/110) and 33.3%(27/81), respectively, with no statistical difference (χ²=0.888, P>0.05). The total infection rate of Giardia in pupils was 14.7%(28/191). The infection rates of Giardia of schoolboys and schoolgirls were 14.5% (16/110) and 14.8% (12/81), respectively, with no statistical difference (χ²=0.003, P>0.05). The mixed infection rate of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was 5.8%(11/191), and the mixed infection rates of schoolboys and schoolgirls were 7.3% (8/110) and 3.7% (3/81), respectively, with no statistical difference (χ²=1.095, P>0.05).

Conclusions The prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection among pastoral pupils in such area was relatively high, and local health departments should strengthen health promotion and management.