Cryptosporidium parvum Infection Among Diarrhoeic Children in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum is an increasingly recognised cause of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children, particularly in resource-limited settings with poor water quality. This study examines the prevalence of C. parvum infection among diarrhoeic children aged 1 to 10 years attending secondary healthcare facilities in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 240 children presenting with acute diarrhoea from three general hospitals in Katsina, Dutsinma, and Funtua. Fresh stool samples were processed using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique to identify Cryptosporidium oocysts. Data on water source, household sanitation, animal ownership, breastfeeding history, and nutritional status were obtained from caregivers. Recent studies from 2020 to 2024 document significant under-diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in northern Nigerian healthcare settings, often attributed to the limited availability of diagnostic reagents and trained laboratory personnel. This study aims to quantify the proportion of paediatric diarrhoea attributable to Cryptosporidium and identify modifiable environmental risk factors. Findings will highlight the importance of incorporating Cryptosporidium testing into routine diarrhoea case management protocols at the state level. Recommendations will target the Katsina State Ministry of Health and partners implementing child health programmes in the state. Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, cryptosporidiosis, diarrhoeic children, Katsina State, modified Ziehl-Neelsen.