Abstract
A rural community based case control study was conducted in Malawi, over a 23 month period, to identify
determinants influencing human cryptosporidiosis in under fives. 96 home interviews were conducted in 24
communities (cases n=24; unmatched controls n=72). 61 risk factors were investigated by questionnaire,
combined with quantitative data from drinking water and domesticated animal stool samples. Cryptosporidium
oocysts were not detected in either sample type. Multivariate logistic regression of questionnaire data
revealed an increased risk of cryptosporidiosis associated with ownership of pigs (OR7.2, 95%CI 1.9–27.5,
p=0.004), presence of diarrhoea in the household (OR8.8, 95%CI 1.8–53.4, p=0.008), bathing in the river
(OR76.7, 95%CI 1.1–23.8, p=0.037) and no education within the household (OR3.6, 95%CI 1.1–11.8,
p=0.038). Bacteriological results indicating faecal contamination of both drinking water stored within the
home, and the surface of guardians’ hands were indicative of poor hygienic practices and potential sources
of infection.
determinants influencing human cryptosporidiosis in under fives. 96 home interviews were conducted in 24
communities (cases n=24; unmatched controls n=72). 61 risk factors were investigated by questionnaire,
combined with quantitative data from drinking water and domesticated animal stool samples. Cryptosporidium
oocysts were not detected in either sample type. Multivariate logistic regression of questionnaire data
revealed an increased risk of cryptosporidiosis associated with ownership of pigs (OR7.2, 95%CI 1.9–27.5,
p=0.004), presence of diarrhoea in the household (OR8.8, 95%CI 1.8–53.4, p=0.008), bathing in the river
(OR76.7, 95%CI 1.1–23.8, p=0.037) and no education within the household (OR3.6, 95%CI 1.1–11.8,
p=0.038). Bacteriological results indicating faecal contamination of both drinking water stored within the
home, and the surface of guardians’ hands were indicative of poor hygienic practices and potential sources
of infection.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Event | 33rd WEDC International Conference - Accra, Ghana Duration: 1 Jan 2008 → … |
Conference
| Conference | 33rd WEDC International Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Ghana |
| City | Accra |
| Period | 1/01/08 → … |
Keywords
- epidemiology
- diarrhoeal disease
- Malawi
- case study
- cryptosporidiosis
- epidemiology
- health education
- cryptosporidium
- community
