Prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis among Primary School Pupils in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection of public health concern and a great burden in Nigeria. It affects a wide range of vertebrates including humans. Cryptosporidium spp is a ubiquitous obligate intracellular parasite of many vertebrate species that is responsible for diarrhoeic conditions which can be either self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals or severe in immunocompromised individuals. This study was carried out to identify Cryptosporidium oocysts from faecal samples of primary school pupils in Gboko, Benue state and determine its prevalence in the study area. A total of 280 samples were collected from school-aged pupils including those with diarrheic faeces, who consumed water from public supplies and eat unsuspectedly contaminated food, who had contact with companion animals, visited endemic areas, swam, did not wash their hands after eating or toilet use amongst other factors studied, and analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelson staining technique for presence of oocyst. 82 samples were positive, giving a prevalence of 29.29%. It was observed that promotion of public and personal hygiene, drinking of portable water and health education is strategic to ensuring management and prevention of Cryptosporidium infection among the study subjects going forward.