DIVERSITY AND PREVALENCE ON CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION IN UNDER FIVE AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSED ADULTS FROM SELECTED HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE CENTER IN OWA-ALERO, IKA NORTH EAST COMMUNITY
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Cryptosporidium species, often transmitted through contaminated water, food, or poor hygiene. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among children and adults in Owa-Alero, Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 126 stool samples (78 adults and 48 children) were collected between January and June 2025 from four selected sites in Owa-Alero. Microscopy and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques were employed to identify Cryptosporidium oocysts. Structured questionnaires were administered to assess sociodemographic factors and potential risk exposures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 69.05%. Among children, 66.7% tested positive, with the highest prevalence observed in the 3–4 years age group (75%). Adults showed a slightly higher prevalence (73.1%), with the highest infection rate found in those aged 51–80 years (90.5%). Key risk factors significantly associated with infection included source of drinking water (p = 0.0003), type of food consumed (p = 0.0001), stool consistency (p = 0.0043), and sanitation practices (p = 0.0181). Stream/river water users had the highest prevalence (93.9%), while bottled water users had the lowest (45.2%). Undercooked food consumers also showed markedly higher infection rates (88.1%).The findings reveal a high burden of Cryptosporidium infection in both children and adults in Owa-Alero, largely driven by unsafe water, inadequate food hygiene, and poor sanitation. Public health interventions focused on clean water access, proper food handling, improved sanitation, and community health education are urgently needed to curb transmission.
Keywords:
Cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium, prevalence, Owa-Alero, stool analysis, waterborne parasites, risk factors, Nigeria.
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