Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites using different diagnostic techniques in Enugu Metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and the aetiologic agent of a gastrointestinal disease, known as cryptosporidiosis. In this study, a total of 300 faecal samples were collected and analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium, yeasts and other parasites using direct normal saline, iodine wet preparations, formol-ethylacetate concentration and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining techniques. Using direct normal saline and iodine wet preparation techniques, a total of 25(8.3%) samples out of 300 were positive for Cryptosporidium and yeasts, but the use of formol-ethylacetate concentration increased the number of positive samples for Cryptosporidium and yeasts to 30 (10%). Further application of modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique to sediments differentiated the aetiologic agents into Cryptosporidium 6 (20%) and yeast-positive 24 (80%). The prevalence of other parasites encountered in this study include; Giardia lamblia, 1 (0.3%); Blastocystis hominis, 1 (0.3%); Entamoeba histolytica, 13 (4.3%); Clonorchis sinensis, 2 (0.7%); Hookworm, 6 (2%); Ascaris lumbricoides, 3 (1%) and Balatidium coli, 1 (0.3%). Thus, the application of only routine wet preparation was less predictive and resulted in 21.7% misdiagnosis (1.7% undetected plus 20% misdiagnosed as yeast). This study buttresses the need for the confirmation of every suspected yeast infection as may be detected in wet examination of faecal specimens, to avoid misdiagnosis. The study also indicates the importance of formol-ethyacetate sedimentation technique in the detection and diagnosis of yeasts, Cryptosporidium, B. hominis and other parasites from stool samples.

Global prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Since cats shed only low numbers of oocysts (around 10 3 and 10 4 oocyst/g of feces), this technique may not be very sensitive in cats (Mekaru et al, 2007;Weber et al, 1991;Webster et al, 1996). In addition to its low sensitivity, this method needs an experienced scientist due to oocysts similarity to bacteria or yeasts in stool samples (Ukwa h and Ezeonu, 2013). Although serological techniques are more sensitive than the mi- croscopic methods, high costs, fa lse-positive reactions and no differentiation of active infection from past infection are considered as disadvantages (Doing et al, 1999;Frost et al, 2004).…”

Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in diarrheal children and HIV-infected persons in Ebonyi and Nsukka, Nigeria

“…Cryptosporidium infections in children and immune-compromised individuals such as HIVinfected persons have been reported from many parts of the world, including southwestern and midwestern Nigeria [4][5][6]8,10,[14][15][16]. This study was conducted in southeastern Nigeria.…”

Importance of banana flour and its effect on growth performance of broiler

“…Study realized by Adeniji, Sanni, Barimala, and Hart, (2007) found that banana contained low levels of antinutrients such as tannins, phytates, and oxalates. Ukwah, Ezeonu, Eze, and Uguru, (2014) reported that 10% banana peel powder significantly increased growth performance as compared to control. Utilization of banana flour can reduce the budget for feed in poultry sector.…”

“…Study realized by Adeniji, Sanni, Barimala, and Hart, (2007) found that banana contained low levels of antinutrients such as tannins, phytates, and oxalates. Ukwah, Ezeonu, Eze, and Uguru, (2014)…”