PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN STUDENTS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE WEST TEHRAN-IRAN FROM 1999-2001

Cryptosporidiosis is one the reasons of diarrhea between children in the world. The prevalence of cryptosporidium in children is more than adult. This research is effective for studying of prevalence of this disease in students of elementary schools in the west of Tehran(aged 6 to 12 years) In this study 3 fecal samples preserved in 10% formalin, were collected from 500 children. Oocyst concentration was performed through Richie’s(modified) methods and staining of fecal smears for each sample (total of 2000 slides) was done by the Zyle Nelson methods infection rate was about (1%) that was observed. There was relation between literacy of fathers and infection rate and there was not any relation between sex and infection rate. Because of prevalence of cryptosporidiosis between elementary students consideration to health and preventive actions in the schools and the city is necessary to prevention of appearance of this disease.