Cryptosporidium carriage in asymptomatic rural South Indians

Abstract

A sudden increase in Cryptosporidium oocyst excretion in a community under surveillance for intestinal parasite carriage was investigated. Intermittent oocyst excretion was seen in 11 individuals who remained asymptomatic over a period of four months. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in one water source and in buffalo dung. While oocyst excretion by asymptomatic individuals has been reported earlier, oocyst passers have not been followed up to determine whether they remain asymptomatic or develop diarrhoea. This is the first documented confirmation of repeated excretion over a prolonged period, indicating asymptomatic colonization by Cryptosporidium.