Sero-prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among HIV/AIDS infected individuals in Kano, North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium sp are obligate, intracellular, protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which is a  substantial threat to HIV/AIDS -infected individuals with an estimated risk of infection of around 10% in developed countries.

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the sero-prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among HIV/AIDS infected individuals in Kano.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 90 participants. A total of 90 blood samples were collected from the participants Serological Analysis of blood was done using Human Cryptosporidium parvum (CP) ELISA detection test Kit. (Human Cryptosporidium parvum) from Melsin Medical Co., Limited, China LOT NUMBER: 20191023), and CD4 Cells count was performed. Data  obtained was evaluated using SPSS version 20.0 package

Results: Out of the 90 participants, 14(15.55%) were found to be positive with Cryptosporidium parvum and 76(84.4%) were negative with  an overall prevalence of 15.55% Cryptosporidium infection was more in males with a percentage distribution of 53.3%, than female  participants with percentage distribution of 46.7%. Patients between age group 26-35 years were more affected with a percentage  distribution of 43.3% and having a high percentage distribution of 41.1% among those who attended secondary school. There was no  statistical significance between Cryptosporidium infection and those who used pit latrine (p=0.347), eating outside (p=0.494), reared  animals (p=0.838) and the type of water source (p=0.641). The prevalence of ART duration was found to be higher in the range of  6-10days at (p=0.999). The association of Cryptosporidium parvum and CD4+ count of the participants was determined using chi square  test in which it was statistically insignificant (p= 0.409). The higher the CD4+ count the lesser the risk for Cryptosporidium parvum  infection hence no association since about 80% of the participant had CD4+ count higher.

Conclusion: This study reveals an overall sero- prevalence of 15.6% of C. parvum among HIV/AIDS patients and there is no association between CD4+ count and infection of Cryptosporidium parvum.