title: Cryptosporidium infections in Denmark, 2010-2014.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of cryptosporidiosis in Denmark is unknown. Here, we present the number of cases detected in the 2010-2014 period along with data on species and subtypes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Complete national data retrieved from the Danish Microbiology Database and Statens Serum Institut (SSI) comprised test results on cryptosporidia detected by microscopy or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2014. Samples that tested positive at the SSI were submitted to species and subtype analysis by conventional PCR and sequencing of ribosomal and gp60 genes, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 689 Cryptosporidium-positive stool samples were submitted by 387 patients. Limiting case episodes to two months (60 days), a total of 388 case episodes representing 387 patients were identified. Cryptosporidiosis was most common among infants and toddlers. Moreover, a peak in incidence was observed among younger adults aged 23-24 years. In 43 Cryptosporidium-positive faecal samples, identification was performed to species and subtype level. Cryptosporidium parvum was found in 34 samples, C. hominis in eight, and C. meleagridis in one sample; C. parvum subtypes IIaA15G2R1 (n = 10) and IIaA16G3R1 (n = 5) were predominating.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cryptosporidia are a significant cause of diarrhoea in Denmark. Outbreaks may not be detected due to continued use of diagnostic tests of limited sensitivity and due to lack of surveillance. With molecular methods now being introduced in many Danish laboratories, we propose establishing national surveillance of cryptosporidiosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
authors.affiliation: Infektionsepidemiologi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. run@ssi.dk.
authors.forename: Christen Rune
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Stensvold
authors.forename: Steen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ethelberg
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Sumrin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahar
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Voldstedlund
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: Gitte Nyvang
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Hartmeyer
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Otte
authors.forename: Anne Line
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Engsbro
authors.forename: Henrik Vedel
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Kåre
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mølbak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult