Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Diarrheic Children in Cameroon

Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive measures. To better control disease transmission and develop effective prevention strategies, a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of circulating species is crucial. While cryptosporidiosis has previously been reported in Cameroon, information on the genetic diversity of parasite strains is lacking. In a large cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in four regions of Cameroon, Southwest, Littoral, Center and West, a total of 1119 fecal samples of children (<i>n</i> = 1119) were collected and genetically analyzed. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> strains circulating in this patient cohort in Cameroon. Using modified Ziehl-Neelsen fecal smear staining, an overall prevalence of 8.5% (96/1119) was recorded. PCR analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.4% in the Center, 7.2% in the Littoral, 10.5% in the West, and 13.1% in the Southwest regions. Molecular analysis identified <i>Cryptosporidium. hominis</i> and <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i> as circulating species, with all subtype families suggesting anthroponotic transmission. No zoonotic subtypes of <i>C. parvum</i> were detected. These findings confirm that cryptosporidiosis transmission in Cameroon is primarily anthroponotic. Nonetheless, much larger epidemiological surveys, including other patient cohorts, are necessary for final confirmation of this statement.