ASSESSMENT OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION IN BENAKUMA HEALTH DISTRICT OF THE NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

This study was designed to investigate the distribution of Cryptosporidium and associated risk factors amongst the denizens of Benakuma, a rural agrarian community, in February 2017. Stool samples from 524 participants were assessed for Cryptosporidium oocysts. A questionnaire on risk factors was issued by oral interview. The stools were analyzed by standard methods (normal saline, Lugol's iodine preparation and formol ether concentration methods and modified Kinyoun Ziehl Neelson). The prevalence rate was 72(27.5%). Prevalence of infection with respect to age also showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05), with the highest rate in those aged between 5-15years, and the least in those aged between 0- 5(0%). The prevalence rate of infection was highest 4(4.4%) in participants with no formal education, and lowest in literate participants. Method of hand washing and use of soap and/or detergent had no effect on prevalence of infection. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium relative to types and number of animal with which they came in contact. Age, use of soap/detergent, income, education levels, and animal waste disposal methods had strong associations (P<0.05) with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Benakuma.