Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Oocysts Among Primary School Children in Wamakko Local Government of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of  cryptosporidium oocysts in faecal samples among primary school children in Wamakko local government of Sokoto State, Nigeria. A total of forty (40) samples were obtained from pupils attending different primary schools within Wamakko Local Government. The primary schools include; Kwalkwalawa Primary School, Kaurar Kimba Primary School, Fanari Primary School and Asari Primary School. A total of ten faecal samples were collected from each primary school. Faecal samples were analysed using formal diethylacetate to detect the presence of cryptosporidium oocysts. The highest percentage prevalence of occurrence (80%) of cryptosporidiosis infection was recorded among the pupils of Kaurar Kimba primary School followed by Kwalkwalawa and Fanari Primary Schools with 60% prevalence each, while the least prevalence was recorded in Asari Primary School with 50% prevalence. There was no significant variation between the 4 schools (P>0.05). Cryptosporidiosis was high in female children (65%) compared to males (60%), however there was no significant variation between the two sexes (P>0.05). Children within the age group 6-8 years old had the highest prevalence (70%) followed by age group 9-10 years 60%. The least  percentage prevalence was recorded among the age group 11-12 years old (50%) (5/10). There was no significant difference between the different age groups (P > 0.05). It is interesting to note the high rate of asymptomatic cryptosporidium infection in the study area.

Keywords: Prevalence, Cryptosporidiuum Oocysts, Primary School, Children, Sokoto