Cryptosporidium Infection in HIV-Positive Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics in Lagos State

Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic infection of significant clinical importance among immunocompromised individuals, particularly those living with HIV. This study assessed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 200 stool specimens were collected from consenting adults and examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining technique. CD4 cell count data and clinical records were retrieved from patient files with institutional ethical clearance. The study found a Cryptosporidium prevalence of 18.5 percent, significantly higher among patients with CD4 counts below 200 cells per microlitre. Chronic diarrhoea was the predominant presenting symptom in 74 percent of positive cases. Patients on antiretroviral therapy for less than six months showed substantially higher parasitic loads. The findings highlight the necessity of routine stool examination as part of HIV care protocols, especially for patients not yet achieving immune reconstitution. This study recommends integration of cryptosporidiosis screening into national HIV programme guidelines to improve patient outcomes and reduce diarrhoeal morbidity in immunocompromised populations. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, HIV, opportunistic infection, antiretroviral therapy, Lagos State.