Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Dammam and Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia

This report presents results from a 6-month study over the period 16 November 1986 to 15 May 1987 which was designed to investigate the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Dammam and Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia. A total of 209 stool specimens from children and 112 from adults with diarrhoea were examined. Only two (1%) of the children, both aged 2 years, were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Giardia lamblia was found in 13 (4%) cases and was found to be the most common protozoan parasite, whereas Salmonella spp. was seen in 19 (6%) cases. Stool specimens were examined for rotavirus from children under 2 years of age; 31 (41%) of the specimens were positive.