Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in children along the Texas-Mexico border and associated risk factors.
We examined the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium parvum in children aged 6 months to 13 years living in 1) colonias along the border (n = 105), 2) a clinic in an urban border community (n = 65), and 3) clinics in a large urban nonborder area (n = 109). Serum IgG and IgA anticryptosporidial antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 70.2% (196/279) of subjects had detectable C. parvum antibodies. Prevalence rates were higher (93/105 [89%]) in the colonias and urban border community (53/65 [82%]) compared to the urban nonborder community (50/109 [46%]). Within colonias, independent risk factors for C. parvum infection included consumption of municipal water instead of bottled water, older age, and lower household income. Children living along the Texas-Mexico border have a higher rate of infection with C. parvum compared to children living in a large nonborder urban area. Within colonias, C. parvum infection was associated with source of water supply, age, and socioeconomic status.
Leach
C T
CT
Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78229-3900, USA.
Koo
F C
FC
Kuhls
T L
TL
Hilsenbeck
S G
SG
Jenson
H B
HB
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan