Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in Stool Samples from Diarrhoeic Children Under Five at Secondary Hospital in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant but under-recognised cause of diarrhoea in young children, particularly in resource-limited settings with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. This study determined the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in stool samples from diarrhoeic children under five years attending General Hospital Jalingo, Taraba State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 200 children with acute diarrhoea aged below 60 months. Fresh stool samples were collected and examined by direct wet preparation, formal-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Nutritional status was assessed by weight-for-age z-scores. HIV status of mothers was also recorded. C. parvum was detected in 18.5% of stool samples. Children aged 12 to 24 months had the highest infection rates. Infection prevalence was significantly higher in children from households using surface water sources and those without access to latrine facilities. Malnourished children and those born to HIV-positive mothers had significantly higher infection rates, suggesting impaired immunity as a risk factor. Concurrent rotavirus infection was confirmed by rapid test in 22.7% of cryptosporidium-positive children. The study highlights Cryptosporidium as an underdiagnosed contributor to childhood diarrhoea in Taraba State and recommends routine stool examination using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, safe water provision, and targeted nutritional support programmes. Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, childhood diarrhoea, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, cryptosporidiosis, Taraba State