Occurrence of Cryptosporidiosis in Vended Sachet Water and Sewage in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

U. M. Askira*1, I. M. Tom1, U. M. Kadaura2 M. M. Ibrahim3, M. M. Dige4. U. A. Bukar3, T. Inusa5, Z. S. Muhammad1

1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Maiduguri
2Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare,
3Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, 4Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, 5Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.,

*Corresponding author’s Email: mohammedaskirau@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.595857


ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium is a small protozoan parasite that infects the microvillus region of epithelial cells in the digestive and respiratory tract of vertebrates. It is an obligate intracellular parasite of man and other mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. It requires its host to multiply.This study examine the occurrence of one of the most frequent aquatic human parasite protozoa Cryptosporidium species. Infected humans, livestock, and other animals shed vast numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts into the environment, which signify the resistant life cycle stage. Sludge, raw sewage, sewage effluents, drinking water, and recreational waterways all, encompass these oocysts. A total of 59 vended sachet water and sewage samples was collected from various locations in Maiduguri metropolis for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Out of the 59 samples collected, 51(86.4%) are sachet water from various table water companies and 8(13.6%) sewage samples from different location in the city. Modified Ziehl Nelson Staining technique was used in staining the samples the stained slides were examined using 40× and higher objective 100 × oil immersion objectives to confirm the morphology of the oocyts. Out of the 51(86.4%) vended water analyzed, no oocyst was detected. However, 3 (37.5%) was detected from sewage at different location in the metropolis. It was indicated that there was proper handling and good hygiene practice during processes of the vended sachet water from their manufacturers; it is recommended that proper disposal of refuse should be advocated in the study area and sewage needs to be adequately treated before being recycled for use.

Keywords:

Oocysts,
Maiduguri,
Cryptosporidium,
Vended water,
Sewage