Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the status of infection with Cryptosporidium spp. in children and HIV/AIDS patients attending General Hospital Wasagu, Kebbi state. A total 157 Stool samples were examined using formal ether concentration method and Modified Ziehl Neelsen carbol fuchsin staining technique. Also direct wet mounts from formalin ether concentrates were examined for the presence of other intestinal parasites. Out of the 61 children examined 19(31.2%) excreted the oocysts. Among the adults 30(31.3 %) of the 96 subjects examined excreted the oocysts also. five patients with HIV/AIDS serologically testing positive for HIV-1 and 2 indicated a 100% Cryptosporidium infection. Eighty two percent (82%) of the subjects examined had watery diarrhea (symptomatic) and 18% had formed stools (assymptomatic).

Key words: Cryptosporidium spp, prevalence, diarrhoea, oocysts