CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION AMONG FARM WORKERS AND LIVESTOCK IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by an obligate coccidian protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium species. The protozoan constitutes a significant risk to humans and animals causing a self-limiting diarrhoea in immune-competent hosts and a lifethreatening disease in immune-compromised hosts. There is a dearth of information on the distribution of the disease in most parts of Nigeria. This study was conducted between June and August, 2019 to evaluate the distribution and determine the risk factors for the transmission of the disease in Minna, Niger State. In total, 471 faecal specimens were collected from 146 cattles, 132 sheep, 150 broiler birds and 43 humans. The faecal specimens were screened using the modified ZiehlNeelsen staining technique. A total of 163 (34.6 %) tested positive for Cryptosporidium in one host or the other. Highest prevalence was recorded in cattles - 69/146 (47.3 %) and the least among the birds - 19/150 (12.7 %). Age distribution among the animals was similar (P < 0.05). In humans however, the infection was significantly higher in younger children than older individuals (17/25 (68 %) and 5/18 (27 %) respectively). Also, humans whose water sources were shallow wells and rivers recorded a higher prevalence 28/43 (65.17 %) than those whose water sources were the public piped water and borehole 15/43 (34.88 %). The results also showed that there was a significant association between the disease and risk factors such as contact with livestock and hand washing practices in the study area (P < 0.05). This study therefore shows that cryptosporidiosis is an emerging threat in this area and so control strategies such as education of the public on the risk factors and routine diagnosis should be put in place in other to curb the spread of the disease.