Prevalence of cryptosporidium infection in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to control group in Isfahan city, Iran

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to control group in Isfahan city, Iran. Methods: In a case-control study, that was done in Alzahra hospital in Isfahan during 2015-2016, 50 multiple sclerotic and 50 healthy people were selected and the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the two groups were detected by direct methods and concentration and compared between the two groups. Findings: Only 3 cases out of 100 were positive for Cryptosporidium SPP where one case was from control and 2 cases were from the case group (2 versus 4 percent). But, prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the two groups was not statistically different (P = 0.56). Prevalence of this parasite in residence and domestic animal keeping had significant difference. 3 cases of positive were in rural areas and kept domestic animals on their houses (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, there was significant difference between this parasite and residence and keeping domestic animal. � 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.