Prevalence of Cryptosporidum Species in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Presenting with Diarrhoea in Lagos

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is said to cause diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients. The study was done to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Lagos. Stool samples were collected from 193 HIV positive and 200 HIV negative (control) patients presenting with diarrhea at LUTH. The patient or a close relative filled a questionnaire covering demographic and other relevant information. Fresh stool specimens were processed using direct stool smear and formol-ether concentration methods. Permanently stained slides were prepared by Kinyoun acid-fast stain.

Cryptosporidium was found in 36 (18.7%) of HIV positive patients and none in the control. More males than females were affected, 26 (24.8%) of 105 males as against 10 (11.8%) of 87 females. Isolation rates were highest in patients with CD4+ lymphocyte counts above 351 cells/ml. Cryptosporidium is a relatively common cause of diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients.


Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Prevalence, HIV/AIDS

NQJHM Vol. 15 (3) 2005: pp. 119-122