Environmental and behavioral risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection: A molecularly confirmed study

Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrhea worldwide, transmitted via contaminated water, food and contact with infected animals. The aim of the present study was to identify environmental and behavioral risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection. For this purpose, the present cross‑sectional study was performed on 420 participants. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by modified Ziehl‑Neelsen staining and confirmed by nested PCR. The study subjects were divided into the infected (296) and uninfected (124) groups. Data on residence, animal contact, drinking water source [reverse osmosis (RO) vs. non‑RO] and education status were collected. Associations were assessed using the Chi‑squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 70.5%. Independent factors associated with infection were animal contact [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75‑5.02; P<0.001] and non‑RO water use (AOR=2.05; 95% CI, 1.10‑3.82; P=0.024). An increasing age exhibited a non‑significant trend (AOR=1.18 per category; 95% CI, 0.97‑1.42; P=0.097). Residence, sex and education were not significant. The Hosmer‑Lemeshow test indicated adequate model fit (P=0.208). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that animal contact and non‑RO water use are independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection. Improving water quality and hygiene practices following animal contact may help reduce disease transmission.