Summary

Diarrhoea remains one of the most important health problems globally and a leading cause of

morbidity and mortality among immuno compromised individuals. It accounts for over 50

million deaths (in all ages) world-wide and it ranks 3rd among diseases responsible for human

mortality globally1.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection

among HIV patients visiting the Specialist Hospital Sokoto (SHS), Nigeria. A total of 150 stool

samples were examined for oocysts of C. parvum using the Stool concentration technique and

modified Zeil-Neilson staining technique. 85 females and 65 males were tested.

The overall parasite prevalence of Human intestinal parasites encountered in the study was

22.7% (34/150) with Cryptosporidium parvum 4.0%, being the highest compared to other

parasites. The age group distribution of Cryptosporidium prevalence among HIV infected

patients who had diarrhoea was 4.0%. With the highest prevalence among patients aged 46-

55years when compared to 0.0 % prevalence recorded in those aged 6 -15, 16 – 25 and 56 -60.

Crypto was commoner among female patients (2.6) when compared to the male (1.4) prevalence.

There is no significant statistical difference between the two groups at 95 % Confidence. Limit.

The observed monthly prevalence of Crypto among the vulnerable group was observed to be high

in the month of November. There is significant statistical difference between all the four at 95%

confidence limit. On the other hand, the prevalence of Crypto among different drugs regiment

(combination) was found to be higher among Regimen 1A. The observed prevalence among CD4

groups showed higher prevalence 2.7 % among HIV patients with diarrhoea whose CD4 were

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below 350 who at the same time formed majority of the patients tested (139 patients) compare to

the least prevalence 1.3 % recorded among patients with CD4 greater than 350. There is

observed significant statistical difference between the two categories. 4.0 % of crypto

encountered among HIV patients with diarrhea and blood only, OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.20 85.27, P -

value 0.7 when compared to 0.0 % Crypto prevalence recorded among diarrhea with blood and

mucus and diarrhea with mucus only.

From the result of this study, Crypto was therefore found to be associated with HIV diarrhoea

particularly in the advanced stage of the infection as Cryptosporidium Oocysts have been

demonstrated in faeces of HIV infected patients attending Specialist Hospital. It accounts for

4.0% of diarrhoeal cases among this group. This study provides baseline data on the prevalence

of Cryptosporidiosis among HIV infected patients presenting with diarrhea and the relationship