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Cryptosporidium specie as a causative agent of diarrhoea in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,Maiduguri
Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidium specie is an enteric, coccidian parasite that is associated with diarrheal diseases in children and immunocompromised patients; and it is responsible for high mortality particularly in developing countries.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocyst in diarrheic patients seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Result: Two hundred and sixty-five (265) diarrheic faecal specimens were received and examined for Cryptosporidium oocyst using the Modified Zeihl-Neelsen staining technique. 60 (22.7%) faecal specimens were positive for the oocyst, frequency of occurrence of the oocyst were high among retroviral and malnourished patients; and featured prominently in the adult age groups compared to the children age group.
Conclusion: Though the prevalence level of 22.7% is low, it however reveals the association of Cryptosporidium species with diarrhoea in this environment and the need for its awareness and inclusion in the routine laboratory request; particularly in diarrheic cases of the malnourished and immunocompromised patients.