Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among children attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cryptosporidium infection is ranked as the second most common cause of diarrheal disease and fatalities among children in developing nations. Nonetheless, due to the fact that many healthcare providers do not consistently request Cryptosporidium diagnostic tests, the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis is probably underestimated. The current study is therefore aimed at investigating the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among children attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital (MAWCH), Sokoto. During the timeframe of April to June 2021, stool samples were collected from 114 diarrheic and non-diarrheic children and analyzed using Formol ether concentration and Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining methods. Out of 114 samples analyzed, 81(71.1%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. A higher prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis was observed in males 45(39.5%) compared to females 36(31.6%) participants and higher 41(36.0%) in younger children aged 0-1 years than the older children. Similarly, a greater prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis was observed in diarrheic children (42.1%) than in non-diarrheic children (28.9%). A statistically significant relationship was observed between the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and diarrhea (P = 0.002) and the source of drinking water (P = 0.001). Routine diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis among children is vital and can enhance effective diagnosis, treatment, and consequently, improvement in the patients' well-being.