PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC HEALTHY EXPATRIATE WORKERS IN SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on Cryptosporidium infections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species among a community of expatriates in Sharjah, UAE working in different sectors, including the food industry, house maids and other domestic occupations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty four stool samples were collected from asymptomatic individuals presenting to the Sharjah Municipality Public Health Clinic (SMPHC) for screening of intestinal parasites for work permission purposes between 2009 and 2011. Demographic information such as age, sex, and country of origin was collected. Genomic DNA extracted from the stool samples were tested for Cryptosporidium species using real-time PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: Twenty-six individuals (19.4%) were positive for Cryptosporidium sp. by PCR. The infection rate was found to be highest in Afghan nationals (33%; 3/9) compared with the rest of the study population; yet, no significant association existed between nationality and infection rate. Moreover, no association was observed between infection rate and gender (χ(2) = 2.439; P = 0.118), nor infection rate and age group (χ(2) = 1.219; P = 0.544). CONCLUSION: Infection by Cryptosporidium sp. was common in the study group, and further studies are needed within the native Emirati population before any conclusions can be made about foreigners potentially transmitting the parasite. Furthermore, data provided in this study could help determine its public and veterinary significance particularly in outbreaks in the country.